Shelby Noel Amelia Rodriguez

SANDUSKY — Shelby Noel Amelia Rodriguez died tragically two years ago, on April 18, 2020, at her dad's. She was just 20 years old. She passed during the COVID lockdown, and we were not allowed to proceed with a funeral. Shelby was born July 12, 1999, in Sandusky, to her parents Nicole Curtis Rodriguez and Al Rodriguez lll. She was the most beautiful baby, super-smart and always giggling. These traits continued as she grew up and became even more amazing. Shelby attended Perkins Schools where she participated in early basketball, volleyball, North Shore volleyball, softball and Lake Erie Diamonds traveling softball. At the age of 16, Shelby was diagnosed with Dysautonomia Disease and P.O.T.S syndrome. They attack the central nervous system, and Shelby's main side effect was fainting anywhere at any time without warning. She endured concussions and many injuries that lead to her having to quit sports, school, work and driving. This added anxiety, severe depression, mental health issues along with missing her friends, to her daily struggles. Shelby fell into alternate ways of dealing with her sadness and despair but worked very hard to get clean, and we are so proud of her accomplishments. She made up two years of high school in only six months at Townsend and graduated with a 3.6 GPA. She was an amazing artist whose drawings and paintings are hanging throughout our house and have been the inspiration for our tattoos. She was an incredible makeup artist and was leaning toward that career option when she landed a job with her dad at Ford Motor Co. in Cleveland. COVID then took over, and everything was put on hold, and, sadly, Shelby's life was unexpectedly cut short. Shelby is survived by her mom, Nicole Curtis Rodriguez; her dad, Al Rodriguez lll; his wife, Lisa and her family; the most favorite thing in Shelby's world, her little brother, Toby Rodriguez; and maternal grandmother, Judi Curtis. She is also missed by lots of family and friends. Shelby joined her grandpa Toby, grandpa KeKe and grandma Karen in Heaven along with aunts, uncles and numerous family members. Sadly since Shelby has passed, three of her best friends have now gotten their angel wings and have reunited with her, Zachary Orwig, Gretchen Horner and Brenna Mara. Shelby was wholeheartedly the happiest when she was with her brother. Shelby and Toby had the closest sibling bond we've ever seen. Although they were five years apart, they were best friends and did everything together. The infectious smiles they gave each other were filled with such love. You could hear their laughter throughout the house for hours. They did everything from flips on the trampoline to going on adventures in the cornfield, playing h.o.r.s.e, racing on green machines and scooters, swimming at our pool, painting area school spirit rocks, toilet papering, going to Cedar Point and watching and making funny YouTube videos. But their favorite activity was going on joyrides together, picking up fast food and singing at the top of their lungs while driving around for hours. Toby misses her so much. We will be having a funeral Mass and luncheon for Shelby at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sandusky, at 429 Central Ave. The luncheon will be served directly afterward in the gathering space at church. It will be the two-year anniversary of her going to Heaven and her grandpa Toby's Heavenly 80th birthday. All are welcome.