It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of our daughter, Chelsea Wesley Shea, as she passed in her sleep on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. Chelsea was 36 years old.
Key people from her life that passed before here include David and Lorraine Shea, and Teresa and Simon Piland, her grandparents.
Also, she loved her Aunt Nancy, Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary, deceased. We thank them all for being an important part of her life.
She is survived by her Mom, Terri and Dad, David Shea and his wife Lisa Brewer. Her brother Mason, his wife, Marcie, niece and nephew Opal and Bradley. Also, Aunt Bonnie and Uncle John Caras, as well as her Aunt Dudley and Uncle Dan, plus many cousins throughout many states. Very important in her life was her partner of many years, Baron Massie of Bedford, VA. Also, her kitty friend and companion of 17 years, Moglie.
Chelsea loved everybody and was beautiful inside and out. She loved meeting strangers and becoming fast friends. She could be the life of the party, had many friends in many states, and was a bright light for all.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Chelsea practically grew up at Smith Mountain Lake from age one. Thus came her love of nature, the lake and Folly Beach.
She’s a former member of Huguenot Road Baptist Church in Richmond, including playing the guitar in their Praise Craze band as well as being the only female on the basketball team. Because of her personality and shooting skills, she was easily accepted, and helped them make the state finals! As a part of that team, she had an amazing coach who became part of her life, and so we want to thank all the other many wonderful teachers and role models who encouraged her along the way.
She was also a hard and very responsible worker and loved having her own business caring for animals with over 45 beloved clients. She taught her parents a lot about acceptance and diversity. Chelsea was an advocate for the underdog, no matter how it made her look among peers.
During her 4-yr. college career and afterwards she volunteered with crisis suicide hotlines and domestic violence hotlines. Of course, she also volunteered with a lot of animal shelters, and had her animal training license. Needless to say, she loved all animals, once even rescuing an owl!
And lastly – Hail Redskins! Sorry for the loss of such a huge fan, she went almost once a year to a game. She would say, the Cowboys stink!
A celebration of Chelsea’s life will be held at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Moneta on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m., with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bedford Humane Society in Bedford, VA bhsva.org/support
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.