Shelly Lorraine Biss
Born April 2, 1967 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Died November 7, 2020 from complications after receiving a heart transplant in Sacramento, California. Daughter of Lindsay and Joan Biss, younger sister of Monte, eldest sister to brother Brian and sisters JoLynn and Nicole. Aunt to Kiara, Trevor, Zelia, Bella, and Matthew.
Shelly became the “Rock” of the family early on in her life. While dad worked nights, Shelly made dinners and helped run the household; even contributing with finances once she was old enough. At the young age of 11 years old, Shelly taught herself how to drive and made trips to the grocery store. Later, Shelly exemplified great patience as she taught her sisters priceless life skills, all the while listening to her favorite eighties’ music. Shelly sacrifced her own dreams and wishes to put her family’s needs ahead of her own. Always sincere, real, and incredibly supportive, there was never any doubt of her love for those she called family and friends.
In 1999, Shelly moved to Bend, Oregon to be closer to her sister Jo-Lynn and her family. Taking a leap of faith she took a career opportunity and began a career in transcription for Central Oregon Radiology Associates, developing her skills, and becoming a positive team leader.
Present for every Auntie opportunity, Shelly attended every game, school, or life event, taking great pride in her role and in her nieces and nephews. Growing up a massive Oregon Ducks fan, she helped cultivate this same passion in anyone she grew to know, just like her dad. Her heart was truly broken when our dad passed in 2001, and she and dad will forever be in our hearts. We will always hear her voice shouting out, “Go Ducks!,” and we will continue hooting and hollering, and we will yell, because it helps! Love letter to my Sister I miss you. We are sorry you are gone. I regret not trying harder to see you, call you, and be there for you. You are my sister, my mom, my friend, my ally and cheerleader, my supporter and Shelly you are so important to me and our family, and I’m sorry you’re gone.
Each time I had an opportunity to cast a wish out there, to seek some valuable luck, I made it for you. I wished you could find true love, happiness, and fulfill your wildest dreams. I want the world to know, and the universe to hear how your life mattered and touched mine along with all of those closest to you. You helped shape our entire family.
You lived your life with grace and bravery; overcoming childhood trauma and the loss of your childhood. You raised me at age eleven. I’ve never known such fierce love. You are a true fighter, and your passion for your family could not be tamed. Be it yelling the loudest at basketball games, videotaping each one, and re-calling all of the details from my heartbreaks and teacher ridicules with such emotion, you held onto so much, never forgetting. My heart was as important to you today as it was 20 years ago. My hurt simmered in you and you held it along with all of our tears. Shelly you were so brave, from heartache to illness, you showed us what it meant to look fear in the eye and keep fighting. We are forever inspired and encouraged by each day you conquered.
My child grew up knowing her Aunt Shelly would always be there for her and she would have love and be adored for who she was. You made everyone feel safe, valued and loved. You knew how to perfectly give your love… always making sure to call and keep in touch for birthdays and holidays, making each occasion feel special, creating traditions with food, going to the movies with your nieces and nephews, making it possible for me to get my hair permed and buy me a prom dress.
Your light glows bright and continues to touch us all. I want you to know how your love helped me grow. Dear Shelly, this is my love letter to you. I hope you experience true love, find yourself atop a mountain with snowflakes melting on your cheeks, live without pain. Love beaming from within where your Dodgers, and Ducks always win, and you find peace floating atop a chocolate sundae topped with whip cream. I miss your laugh. I remember thinking as a little kid, “I want to laugh like that”, when you laugh, then cry and it hurts but you can’t stop, and it’s contagious, just like your big, perfect, unconditional, love.