My Friend Shelli Gomes

In life, you come across a special person that just stands out above the rest. Shelli Gomes was that special person to me. I joined Cross Timbers Rotary Club in July of last year, and every morning I would come to a club meeting, she greeted me with a smile and a hug. I felt so welcomed right from the start.

Shelli lost her battle with cancer on April 13th. Our club is devastated, her family is devastated, and her friends are devastated, but we continue to remember and honor her life because that was her wish. Though our friend may no longer be with us in body, her spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

As a Rotarian, Shelli embodied the values of service, integrity, fellowship, and the true meaning of service above others. She was a true example of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning, and she dedicated herself to making her community a better place through efforts and selfless contributions.

Her impact on our club and community cannot be overstated. Shelli was a driving force behind countless projects and initiatives that have made a real difference in the lives of so many people. Whether it was organizing a fundraiser, volunteering at a local shelter, or checking you into a meeting, our friends always put the needs of others first.

But beyond her impressive list of accomplishments, what truly sets our friend apart was her warm and generous spirit. She had a way of making everyone she met feel valued and loved, including me, and was always quick with a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand.

We will miss our friend Shelli dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the work we do as Rotarians, and through her loving husband, Tony, beautiful daughter Cat, and son Adrian.

Let us honor Shelli’s memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals of Rotary, and by continuing to make a positive impact in the world, and our community.

Rest in peace, my dear friend.