Rochelle Marie Richard

Birth 8/29/49

Death 10/2/26

Rochelle Marie Richard was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on August 29, 1949. Shelly grew up the middle child, only girl, in a family that celebrated both her birthday and St. Patrick's Day (especially for her) due to her red hair. A child of a military family, she moved often and lived all over the United States, though her favorite city was Phoenix, Arizona. Shelly spent many memorable holidays, summers, and even some winters with her beloved Aunt Maggie along the Mississippi River in Little Falls, Minnesota.

At Bourgade High School in Phoenix, Shelly was a member of the dance team, the Blue Angels, and her talent for art blossomed. She graduated from Bishop Toolen High School in Mobile, Alabama where she played in the band. With a talent and love for music, Shelly learned guitar and piano, even playing lead guitar in a rock and roll band interestingly named The Quiet Side.

Raising two girls, Shelly encouraged their education-always telling them they could achieve whatever they wanted in life. A lifelong reader, she loved that books open windows to the world, and she treasured Shakespeare and Dickens. As a Girl Scout leader, ready with pipe cleaners, tissue paper, sleeping bags, and love, she brought nature, arts, and crafts to young girls alongside her own in Marietta, Georgia. She made delicious lemon meringue pies and chicken noodle soup. She loved all children and animals, and especially treasured her three grandchildren.

Shelly passed away, age 77, on October 2, 2026. She is survived by her brother, Paul Richard; daughters, Tracy Rauch (Ralph Marino) and Amy Powell (Charlie); and grandchildren, Emma, Clark, and Charlie Powell. She is preceded in death by her mother, Josephine Brandenburg Richard; father, Marcel Richard; and brother, Jeffrey Richard. A private service will be held with family. A gathering with friends and family will follow at a later date in Mobile, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, please share a fond memory with her family and friends.