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Shi Sommers Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly Nov. 11, 2010, to the deep grief of family and friends. Survived By daughter Baya, son Kyle, and sister Christy Stebbins. Predeceased by son Jefrye. Born San Antonio, TX 1938. Retired 2005 after 30 years with ASU Career Services; taught T'ai Chi at MCC. Shi had a zest for life, which she celebrated every day. Was dedicated to rescuing injured pigeons and stray cats. Leaves behind 2 cats and a keening flock, led by "Mr. Squeaks." Celebration of life planned for spring. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Best Friends Animal Society or Alley Cat Allies.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
B. Sommers
November 25, 2020
It's been 10yrs since you passed away.
I still miss you everyday.
SoAnn & I keep your birthday casino trips alive & well!
Sure would love to hear your voice and spend time with you again...
LHs&Ss!
B. :)
P.S. Say howdy to Paul for me!
Carol/Homie
December 7, 2010
Baya, my deep heart felt condolences to you and your family. I was very fortunate to have known your mother and miss our telephone conversations and emails. Shi you were one "Fine Lady"
May we meet again Some Day... Love you !!
Moneca Cindy Qayumi
December 4, 2010
To Shi's family:I offer you my condolences on the sudden loss of your beloved Shi. Shi was a beautiful woman both inside and out. She was vivacious, colorful, kind and caring. I have vivid memories of Shi wearing a wide smile and a colorful headband whether teaching Tai Chi to her devoted students at MCC in the 1990's or attending a Ben Lo Tai Chi workshop in Arizona. When I last saw Shi in January 2010, she was the open and loving spirit I remembered from her days as an avid Tai Chi player. I am warmed by the memory of her vivacious spirit. I hope that your sense of loss is alleviated by your enduring and treasured memories of the many wonderful, colorful moments you shared with Shi.
December 1, 2010
Dearest Shi .. you ARE sorely missed by many and loved by many. May you fly free with all our beloved winged friends who have gone before you and find our other friends when you get there.
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Linda Hansen
December 1, 2010
To Shi's family,
Shi was one of the best people I've ever known. I only knew her through the forums, but she was the kind of person who had the ability to become a real friend, even if you never had the opportunity to meet in person.
Always kind, always caring, always helpful, always funny, always upbeat....the kind of person who would see the good in everyone and who truly became a friend to everyone she met.
Like many have mentioned, Shi had such a zest for life that I just never imagined this day would come, when we'd have to say goodbye for now.
She had provided such a wonderful example to me of how to live life well and to the fullest. I will never be able to be exactly as she was, but in her honor and memory, I'm sure going to try.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and please take comfort in knowing how loved Shi was by so many.
Janet Manecke
December 1, 2010
I only met her once, but wanted to share my condolences with Baya and Kyle. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace and may God surround you with his love through this difficult time!
Trees Gray
December 1, 2010
Shi was one of my favorite members on the Pigeon Talk forum.
She was the welcome committee and ambassador of good will to our forum all wrapped up in one. I will never forget her kind and happy disposition. She always had a kind word for everyone and sometimes became the diplomat in potential squabbles.
I never met Shi in person, but I felt like I knew her. My heart goes out to all who knew her and especially to her family.
Shi will be greatly missed.
May her gentle and kind soul rest in peace.
Reti Weisberg
December 1, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person, a beautiful lady. We will love you and miss you always.
Tana Farnsworth
November 30, 2010
Shi: an ultimate kindred animal spirit, who saved and adored so many kitties, of whom I remember Bubba best, and the wonderful times at her abode watching great movies.
Always,
Tana
Jim Moffett
November 30, 2010
Shi was always upbeat and optimistic – opening her e-mails invariably provided a ray of sunshine regardless how dark the day.
Now a day doesn’t go by that I don’t see my woodland creatures do something and think, “I need to write Shi about this”. Then I remember, and the day is gloomier.
Brad Gibson
November 30, 2010
To Shi's family:
Shi was a very special lady, truly one of a kind. She had the most incredible "joie de vivre", which just means she loved life. Even this might be an understatement. I never heard her talk negatively about anything or anyone and she never seemed down. To her, the glass was always half full.
In the 5 years or so that I got to know Shi (albeit online), she really became a constant. She was a faithful friend to me and all who she knew. Her caring and compassion ways always came across. Besides these wonderful personality traits, Shi loved to laugh and joke around. Her pet name for me was "BradLET". I didn't always like this name, but Shi thought it was endearing and cute.
Shi was taken from us far too soon & too quickly and this is what really hurts the most. It was so unexpected and so sudden that the news was devastating.
Death is mostly about the living, those still mourning the loss of the person and missing them tremendously. We are all very much missing Shi, she touched us all in so many ways.
I send my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to her loving and still grief stricken family. Take comfort in knowing how much Shi was loved and how she meant so much to so many.
Sincerly,
Mary Ann Linney
November 29, 2010
Shi, You will be missed so much by all. You were one of kind, a kind and caring person with something always nice to say and oh can't forget funny too, you made me laugh so much and I thank you for that. I know we never met in person, but you were my friend, part of my internet family. I am so glad I got to know you. I know someday we will finally get to meet. Dear friend you will left a hole in our hearts, but you will always be alive in our hearts and memories.
Mary Ann (P/T and P&PC)
Andrea ONeil
November 29, 2010
If more people were like Shi, the world would be a better place. He passion for life, her kindrid spirit and positive energy are a part of me forever. I feel blessed to have known her and send my deepest sympathies to her family.
Ayn Rutter
November 29, 2010
Shi & Baya, You welcomed me into your home as a child and when I became an adult. You were the inspiration for all the laughter Baya gave to me being one of my oldest Friends and compatriates in the Ohio Star Trek Snow bank battles. You had trials,but you always seemed to keep such a good and gratious attitude I will never forget. Your Tai Chi and rainbow ways made me feel as if you and my mother were sisters of the soul! You made an inpression that will never be forgotten. You made my world a better place and I thank you for that!!! With all my love and Best wishes in your journey!!! xoxo
Ayn L. Rutter & Family
Bill Breedlove
November 29, 2010
Like many people, I first encountered Shi because of a pigeon.
Like many people, Shi instantly befriended me, and made me feel welcomed, happy and special.
Like many people, I considered Shi much more than just a "friend."
Like many people, Shi became a part of my daily life, always "there" with a funny email, a well-wish or a heartfelt comment.
Like many people, I just assumed Shi would be around, in exactly the same way, behaving in exactly the same manner, forever.
Like many people, I was shocked and consumed by a deep sadness when I learned of her unexpected passing.
Shi was one of the truly great individuals I have ever encountered. Filled with love (for everyone--people, animals, etc.) and curiosity (about EVERYTHING) and a nature that put folks at ease and quickly made strangers into lifelong friends.
It's obvious with the massive outpouring of love and positive sentiments how many lives Shi touched and impacted. None more so than mine. I am fortunate to have been able to know her, lucky to have had some time to talk with her, and, most of all, proud to call her my friend.
November 29, 2010
Shi,
it was God's plan for you to celebrate your BD with friends from Career Services. I am glad that I was there to celebrate with you. You were an amazing person. You made me laugh on many occasions during our work life at ASU. Thank you for your friendship.
jpg(Gilbert,AZ)
November 29, 2010
What a vibrant full of life lady she was. We always shared a common bond for the love of animals and mainly cats. The world has lost a great life, a great energy.
Marie Schwind
November 29, 2010
Shi, You were the happiest person I knew, and I plan to follow your way. I hope my dog baby Brownie is with you now, along with all your cat and feathered friends. Marie
S. Brooks
November 28, 2010
Oh, Shi! You left too soon. Your vibrant energy will carry on. It will always be a blessing to know you. Hugs and scritches.
Nona Smith
November 28, 2010
Shi, you left us much too soon and you have left us with a huge emptiness in this earthly world.
Nona/ PT & P&PC
November 28, 2010
You were just a wonderful wonderful person and I miss you so much. Thank you for showing me the way. You are part of it all now. I love you dear friend..c.hert
Dave Harding
November 28, 2010
I wish I had had the opportunity to know her a little longer. My condolences to her survivors,.... Baya .... Kyle and Christy.
Rod R
November 28, 2010
Your humor made us laugh. Thank you! God will always be with you. And may you rest in peace.
rodSD (Pigeon-Talk)
Mary Leonard
November 28, 2010
Baya, I am so sorry for your sudden loss...Although I did not know your mom, I am happy that you had such wonderful times together during the past years. May the memories of those times help you to get through the coming days and aid in your healing. God Bless You.
Cindy Boyce
November 28, 2010
Dearest Shi,
Because of a fine feathered friend you happened to find,
We met eight years ago just about this time.
We shared much laughter and even a few tears,
Over these memorable eight years.
Your acts of kindness, generosity and love will never be forgotten,
And I know wherever you are you will always keep on rockin'.
You loved life and lived it to the fullest,
Your outlook was always the brightest.
Our friendship will never have an end,
You will always be in my thoughts, my friend.
You are truly a very special pigeon angel.
Cindy
Mom & I at Casino AZ at the machine we won on.
B. Sommers
November 28, 2010
Miss you Mom
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