Rochelle Lee "Shelley" Reed

In Memory of Shelley

Rochelle Lee Reed, AKA Shelley passed away on June 3rd,  2025.  She was born in Vallejo Ca, on May 1st 1961 to Milton and Alice Reed: the fourth of four daughters.  

During her school years in Napa she was involved in numerous activities with First Presbyterian Church, Rainbow for Girls, and Choir at Vintage High School.

During her time in high school she had many opportunities to travel with the various groups she was evolved with.  Her parents had a travel trailer and she was able to experience camping and traveling around the United States.

Shelley graduated from Vintage High School in 1979. She attended Napa Valley College and graduated from Heald Business College in San Francisco.  She worked from age 16 at numerous jobs in Napa until graduating from Heald College; and then went to work for the City of Napa.

Shelley was married in 1989 and has 2 sons; Zachary and Garrett and lived in Suisun Ca. One of darkest and most tragic days was when Garrett (27 months) and his cousin Mitchell (31 months) passed away in 1998.

In 2001 Shelley moved with her family to Rainier Washington.  While living in Rainier she divorced and raised Zachary on her own.  She was a wonderful mother and was able to see Zachary grow up to be an active and creative young man.  One of best parts of her life was meeting, and developing a loving relationship with Zachary’s wife Pui.

She traveled an interesting career path; working in retail sales at Macy’s she met some of the cast of Deadliest Catch.  She also worked for a while in sales with Fred Meyer. Her favorite time was probably as a card dealer at an Indian casino.

In 2019 Shelley received the devastating news that she has Neuroendocrine Cancer and Carcinoid syndrome, which are incurable.  The doctors told her that her lifespan could be 3 to 5 years.

For the last 5 and a half years Shelley has been battling numerous side effect from this cancer.  She has been Super Brave and Courageous throughout this process.  When she was able she went on day trips with Zachary and Pui and with friends.  When Alicia and Mark would visit, they would take her on glamping trips around Washington.  In January she moved to a skilled nursing facility and was very comfortable there.  She recently contracted COVID.  That, combined with her cancer was to much.  She was unable to overcome effects of both; and she is now at peace. Her loving family: son Zachary and his wife Pui, sisters; Susan (Ron Adams), Rebecca Solomon, Alicia (Mark Laybourn).  She also has many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews who loved her and will miss her so much.

Friends who wish are encouraged to donate to cancer research or hospice care organizations.