Michelle Ramos or “Shell” as her family and friends fondly called her was mesmerized by life and love. She was a deep thinker who kept a journal to document her thoughts and philosophies on matters close to her heart. Shell loved intensely and was on a journey to better understand herself and the world around her.
Shell grew up in Northern Virginia and worked in the service industry. She was a daughter, sister, friend and Aunt. On the exterior, she was the life of every party, but she also had a secret side to her where she enjoyed spending time alone reading, writing and being creative. Shell brought people together and shared her wisdom, advice and infamous catchphrases with others. She encouraged people to find joy in the small things, to love each other and most importantly to love themselves.
In November 2020, her parents Gerardo and Rhoda got a phone call that changed everything. Shell was in grave condition at Inova Fairfax Hospital after sustaining a traumatic injury. They rushed to the hospital to be by her side. Doctors did everything they could to save her life but after a few days and a lot of prayers, they lost their baby girl at the young age of 25.
Her parents decided to donate Shell’s organs to help other people. Shell saved five lives by donating her kidneys, heart, liver and lungs.
“One of the most miraculous and beautiful things that happened is one of her kidneys was a match for a woman at our church who desperately needed a transplant. How wonderful that our daughter was able to save the life of someone she knew. When we go to church and see the recipient’s family it is a reminder to us of Shell’s big heart and lasting legacy. Her soul lives on in the five people she saved and in every one of us who loved her, and it will only grow stronger as we keep her in our thoughts.”
