Shelley Lee Sakowski

Shelley Lee Sakowski, a radiantly free spirit guided by a tender California soul, peacefully made her transition on July 8, 2023. She remains a beloved mother, an imaginative artist, and a lifelong friend.

Much like her art, Shelley was wildly original, wholly colorful, authentically expressive, and altogether beautiful. Shelley fulfilled many roles in many people’s lives, but the role she treasured most was being a mother to her cherished children and cheerful chihuahua. On her life’s canvas, she made many people smile with her colorful expressions as a music enthusiast (Van Halen, The Eagles, Alanis, Celine, and Live – to name too few), a marching band flutist (a rebellious act against familial generations of pianists), a determined paralegal (for East Coast and West Coast law firms), a Pre-Raphaelite print patron (among her favorites, John William Waterhouse’s “The Soul of a Rose”), an avid coffee drinker (“Starbuckies!”), a sweets snacker (Hot Tamales, M&Ms, Red Vines, and more), a cozy clothes connoisseur (pajamas and sweatshirts, for sure), and a summer thunderstorm admirer (often unafraid to run in the rain).

Throughout her life, Shelley endured hardships that could have easily quelled one’s spirit, but hers uniquely persisted. She did not shy from love, nor did she succumb to heartbreak. Her will to live was evergreen, nurtured by her love for her children and their steadfast love for her. Shelley is profoundly loved and, until met again, deeply missed.

Shelley is survived by her father, Robert Cardwell, mother, Myra Drury, daughter, Kaylyn Marie, sons, Andrew John, Samuel Patrick, Brady Lee, pup, Lucy Loo, fellow family, dear friends, and her spirited art.

A celebration of Shelley’s life will be held on October 28th at Special Times Venue (2505 S. State Street Ukiah, California 95482), 11:00AM-1:00PM.

Her children ask that if you were fortunate to know her laugh, take time to recall it; if you were fortunate to know her spirit, take time to admire it; and if you were fortunate to know her music, take time to rock out to it.