Michele E. Perkins, 71, from Henderson, NV, died peacefully Friday, October 23, 2020 after a short battle with cancer.
Shelley previously lived in Minneapolis, MN and Alexandria, VA.
Shelley enjoyed numerous trips to Israel with many friends, and the study of Jewish history and religion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Monte and Alice (Balich) Perkins. She is survived by her brother, Michael (Mary) Perkins; sister, Rita Perkins; nieces Samantha and Natalie Perkins; nephew Nicholas Perkins.
Shelley will be deeply missed by family and friends.
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Shelley was a beloved friend. We enjoyed many great trips together locally and the best trip was our one to Israel in 2013. We had lots of good conversations and lots of laughter. She loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart. I will miss her. Cindy Sumner
Shelley you will truly be missed. I enjoyed working alongside with you as well dining out. We had many laughs together and I will always remember the talks we had. Heaven has another angel. Miss you dearly! Lisa Jenkins
When Shelley died, a friend of hers called me to let me know — my own mother was dying and I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve forgotten her friend’s name. She told me that Shelley had been diagnosed with cancer and died within weeks. Shelly hadn’t wanted to impose on me and so asked her friend to wait until she was gone to let me know. That was a very Shelley decision — and it’s the only time I have ever felt anything like anger toward her. I know she was protecting me, but I’m still very sad I didn’t get to say goodbye and tell her how much I loved her. I recently found this page and I don’t know that anyone will ever see what I’m writing. I’m really doing it for Shelley and me.
Shelley was a complex person in a way that made her only more wonderful the longer you knew her. We worked together for several years and our conversations ranged far and wide. The most important ones to her were about her faith and time spent in Israel. She had a fascinating and engaging view of charismatic Christianity, deeply rooted in Judaism. I know that many people not knowing Shelley would jmake assumptions about her politics and opinions, but while she had strong views, she was curious and changed them as she learned.
Shelley was excellent at her job. Technically she was nearly flawless. As a human, she was outstanding. She discreetly, but actively looked after me and many colleagues. Most never knew what she did for them and how much they benefitted from her caring guidance. One time, a colleague had been treating me very shoddily. Shelley was very protective of me, but nevertheless, she came to me and told me that she had learned that that colleague was facing some sensitive challenges no one knew about and suggested some actions she could take to help him without anyone else knowing, including him. She just wanted to make sure I was okay with plan. I admit I had mixed feelings, but she was very persuasive. Shelley acted and those obstacles disappeared. He never knew what she did for him because that’s the way she wanted it.
I recall another day when my father-in-law was in a remote part of Canada and sustained a life threatening injury. I was in a meeting and my wife called Shelley to let me know. Before Shelley came to tell me what had happened, without being asked, she arranged for my wife’s transportation to the airport, a plane flight, and a driver to take her to the remote location, none of which was easy given his location. As a result, my wife could focus on speaking with the medical professionals who were making important decisions.
Shelley was fun loving. As part of a contest, my team got to dress me up for Halloween. Shelley dove in with gusto, transforming me into Julia Childs. Well over a decade later, neighbors still drive by waving at me and calling me Julia. Shelley laughed so hard she cried.
I remember another time when Shelley fainted at work. It gave us all quite a scare. When she came to, she immediately wanted to get up off the floor but I told her she had to stay down until the paramedics arrived. Naturally, she was very embarrassed and protested. So, I laid down next to her in my suit and told her we could both look silly. She started to protest, laughed, and then said, “Well, if we are going to both be down here, we may as well get some work done. Hand me that file on my desk.”
I miss Shelley terribly, and I smile every time I think of her. I’m grateful to everyone who cared for her at the end of her life — she did so much to enrich my own.
I love you Shelley.