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Please come in remberence of her

On September 8th, 2006 we lost a very special person,
Brianne, in a tragic plane crash in Ensenada.

Do you remember that movie "Pay It Forward?" Brianne
Shelton lived by this moto everyday. She did so much
for her family, friends, her church and the community.
On the day she died, she was on her way to volunteer
her nursing services to families at a clinic in
Mexico.

This news has hit us hard. Brianne was a rising,
shining star that touched so many people during her
young 24 years.

We can't do much about what has happened, but we can
celebrate and share with each other all the good she
brought to our lives.

I'll go first!
Being in Bree's family, her generosity was never
ending. She is always there for us, all of us. I
remember "babysitting" her while her mom watched from
the kitchen. I followed her like a shadow to keep her
safe. We celebrated EVERY Thanksgiving and Christmas
together. Every graduation and some birthdays. She
was in my wedding. She was there visiting after I had
my babies. Then, she babysat for them. She helped my
family out during the hard times too. When my father
was ill and after. She was there, helping, talking,
doing for us. Nursing was her calling. She was great
at it. I used to ask her why she wanted to be in the
Radiation dept. It seemed so depressing to me. She
said with a smile, "someone has to do it, and I like
it!" I told her she was a wonderful person. And she
is! And, we miss her tremendously!

Lynette Spievak
(Brianne's cousin)

We were so fortunate to spend time with Brianne in July 2006 in Colorado at our semi annual family reunion. At a previous family reunion, 2004, at my dad's house here in Florida, Brianne was the center of attention with our niece, Kayla, now age 9. Kayla knew immediately that Brianne was an angel....children see the truth about people that we as adults sometimes overlook. God needed a special angel. There must be a task of great magnitude that only a special angel can accomplish. That special angel would be Brianne.

cousins Jim and Deb Hart/Tampa, Fl.

Our story is this.....we didn't know Brianne, except once or twice that we met her and said hello. She had a glow and a smile that we witnessed, especially when we saw her at her dad's 50th Birthday party. You could see the excitment, joy and love she had for her dad. We are not at all surprised of all the wonderful, caring, loving things that everyone is saying about her..........just take a look at her mom and dad! We share in the saddness with everyone else of Brianne's early departure and her parents loss, but we rejoice in Brianne's gain (Phil.1:21).

In Christ, Cil & Mike

I have been blessed to have known Brianne and the Shelton family for about 11 years. Brianne has been one of my best and dearest friends since I met her in 9th grade at SMHS (thanks to Cambrea for introducing her to our group of friends!).  At times she was a spiritual example for me and at other times I was able to encourage her in her walk with God. Our friendship was real, tender, and fun.

So many of my best memories include Bri; I open a photo album and she graces tons of pages...  With our birthdays only 5 days apart, we shared many a celebration together... We went to concerts and listened to music together... We imagined our ideal "paper plate" guy together...  She came on family vacations with my family, affectionately calling my dad "Mr. P"...  We  conspired to forge a romance between our then-6th grade siblings...  She was one of my faithful "drivers," unselfishly carting me around during the summer I had a broken ankle and hand...  We worked out together... She almost always came to hang out at the beach with my family at Thanksgiving or visit me whenever I was home visiting from college... She was a bridesmaid in my wedding... She was my sister in Christ.

Right now, it's hard to see all the pictures or hear a song on the radio, or say a certain catchphrase that all remind me so much of her without tears welling up.  But I'm also so thankful for those things, knowing that my life will always be full of little memories that will remind me of her.

It's hard to think of my life without someone who's played such an integral part in it but I take comfort in knowing that she's with Jesus, and that really, she'll always be part of my life.   A poem by e.e. cummings says, "i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)."  I carry her heart in my heart, as do so many others.

I pray for all of you, Sheltons, Kyle, extended family, and friends whose lives were touched by Brianne. May we forever remember her legacy, until we see her again in heaven.

Nicole (Pavone) Bennett

I was so blessed to have meet Brianne four years ago in nursing school.  We quickly became friends because of the many clinicals we had together.
I loved working with her on 7 West and being teaching aides together for Prof. Esernia. Even though we were peers, she was a role model for me. She was such a hard worker, always first to help and she did everything with a smile and a positive attitude.
I also cherish the times we spent outside of school getting to know one another. I loved running into her and Kyle at church, going to dinner, playing board games at her house, etc.
I will miss Brianne and her smile and laughter so much.

Michelle (Edwards) Garcia

What a blessing to have known Brianne through Riverview Church and to watch her grow up into the wonderful, loving, caring young woman God made her.  Her legacy goes on.  I am teaching high school age kids in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) this year.  Last night, the first principle I was to teach those kids was that life is too short to waste it doing irrelevant things.  Brianne was my illustration of a young woman whose life here on earth was much shorter than any of those who knew her wanted or expected, but that she did not waste it on irrelevancies.  She was doing God’s work when she was called home.  What a victory in such tragedy.  Brianne is still a godly example to be held up for others to follow.

Linda Howard

Looking through photo albums last night for pictures of Brianne, I thought of a cool memory that I'd like to share. It was New Year's Eve at Knott's Berry Farm with the youth group. Lawral and I were taking pictures at this old-fashioned photo place. Meanwhile, Sean was secretly looking to buy a ring for me (promise ring). Brianne was among those with him as he was trying to figure out what size to get me. So, Bri had the idea to come over to where I was and chat with me and ask to see the ring I was wearing at the time and try it on her own finger, then go back to Sean and size the ring for him to buy. She did, it worked, and he gave it to me at midnight under the fireworks. As we talked of this, and looked at more pictures, there were some of the Mexico missions trip that Sean had been on with Brianne. He smiled as he remembered that was when he started calling her "Queso." He had called her "cheese" because of the nickname "bri" but it changed to "queso" as they spoke spanish on the trip. I also remember a time when we went on a river trip with youth group and I got eaten alive by mosquitos. I was covered, head-to-toe. I tried not to scratch, so I would scratch Brianne to make me feel better. I remember riding in the van on the way back with my legs on Bri's lap and her rubbing ice on my itchy bumps. Every time I think of her, I just picture her beautiful, smiling face! It makes me smile, even through the tears. I also think of God's faithfulness and how awesome it is that she is with Him now!

Beckie Daley

What a special girl Brianne was.  She blessed so many people with her bright smiles.  In fact, she always smiled and was a ray of sunshine and joy for all her friends and family.  She was funny, and smart, and cute, and friendly, and such a pleasure to have around us. She was an encourager and an inspiration to so many of us because she was "Spirti filled" and it showed in how she lived her life.

She spent a lot of time at our house, with our daughter, Nicole, throughout their high school years: sleepovers, birthday celebrations together, watching movies over and over, camping trips with our family numerous times, lots of picture taking, a million phone calls; house sitting for us (actually animal sitting);  the list goes on and on!  We thought of her as another daughter.  Their shared friendship bond was a wonderful thing to observe.

I will never forget the "Murder Mystery" party, when the two of them (and other friends) dressed in characters in 40's clothes (I think); or our trip to Laughlin when we stayed at the Flamingo Hotel, and the girls had me take pictures of them in front of the brightly lit up Casino and Hotel.  There was also the celebration at Ruby's on the Oceanside pier; and their "Road Trip" to Lake Shasta.

When Brianne got a job at the new Hometown Buffet, we eat there often and always asked to be in her station. She was the main reason we went there, for sure. Having Brianne as our waitress was far better than the dinner.  Because of her we enjoyed those dinners so much more!

I, too, remember asking her why work the Radiation/Cancer floor?  She told me she wanted to work where it truly made a difference and where there was a great need.  I remember thinking how blessed her patients would be by her true compassion.

"Mr. P," as she affectionately called Nick, and I will really miss Brianne.  We were so saddened by the tragic news.  We loved her so and she will never be forgotten.  She  will forever be held in our hearts. We are thankful she was such a special part of our family, as our friend and our daughter's friend. She truly is a special angel whom God needed now. 

We are praying for all who loved her, and especially Debbie, Joe, Kelsi, Tyler and Kyle.  May God's love surround you and bring you all peace and comfort knowing she has gone to be with Him.

Karen Pavone

 I met Bri about 3 years ago. I was the teachers aide for one of her nursing clinicals. Right from the first day it was obvious that Bri would be one of the stand out students. She was so intelligent & such a quick learner. After she graduated from nursing school she signed on to be a nurse on 7W where I work and we were so lucky to have her. With only a years experience Bri was one of our strongest nurses on the floor, she had the knowlegde & skills far beyond what was expected. It was so wonderful to work with Bri, she was always so happy, warm and compassionate to every person she encountered. All her coworkers loved her for her warm sincere personality and her patients could see that as well. Bri never complained, she always kept a positive attitude and was willing to help anyone that needed it. She was so patient, and willing to teach, everyone who learned from her absolutely loved her. She was such an amazing nurse, but even more so a wonderful person. Bri was just the type of person that made you want to be a better person. We all loved working with her & spending time with her. She will be greatly missed but we'll all remember her forever.

Beth Embry (Brianne's coworker)

What a shock to me and a tragedy to the world to hear that Brianne had met such an untimely death.  Yet it is clear from all who knew cared so deeply for her that she will not be forgotten.  She so very strongly affected all who have written these elegant messages--themes of sparkling light, happiness, laughter, spirituality, giving, making a difference, and love abound.  Her short life was full and is an example of the best a young woman can aspire to be.

Brianne was a student of mine in the School of Nursing at San Diego State University.  What sorrow to feel the loss.  What a joy to have known her.  What a pleasure to say I counted her among my friends.

Kay Gilbert

I was a leader in our church youth group Brianne's last couple of years of high school. The two most vivid images I have of her are singing a praise song with her eyes closed in the dark one night in youth group, completely immersed in the act of praise; and of her bopping around at acolor guard competition, so bubbly and funny and full of energy. I can't think of any other person who so completely deserves to be in Jesus' presence! She is so happy now, full of life and joy and praise!!!

Howard Wornek

Brianne was the best TA we ever had! She was kind, and humble, and gracious, and so understanding. While working under the supervision of a very strict nurse, she saved me from fear and panic every week and saved my nursing career. She is my inspiration. She is good, she is great, and now she has gone to be with the Lord. Thanks Brianne, and I will miss you!

Paen Smith

Brianne was my teacher's assistant in my third semester of nursing school at San Diego State. I was a timid, petrified student who felt completely lost and overwhelmed during the rotation, and it was Bri that gave me the confidence I needed to face my fears during the semester and get through the class. She was never condescending; never made you feel like you were capable of asking a stupid question (though Lord knows we had lots of them!), and was always ready to give each student in my class a hug and walk us through all the necessary steps to whatever task we were avoiding doing. Because of Bri I gained more confidence and learned more in that one rotation then I did throughout my whole first year of nursing school alone. She was an inspiration to everyone in my clinical, and the face we looked forward to seeing every Monday morning back in Spring 2005. I will never forget Bri and the influence she had on my nursing career.

Jen Clewett

our dearest Bri we love you more than words... your family and kyle and friends are in our hearts.   God gave us the greatest gift by letting us get to know you. playing poker, painting Christmas houses and just having fun. we  will always think of you with a huge smile the way  we always remember you!!!!!  god bless and we will meet again someday  I love u bri  love jen and ken We miss You 

Ken and Jen

I was Brianne’s 3rd semester clinical instructor in nursing school.  As Beth Embry (my teaching aide) mentioned, Brianne stood out among her peers from the first day.  Because of this at the end of her clinical rotation I recommended her for a position as a student nurse extern on 7W.  There are only a few of these positions available and 7W always has multiple applicants. Brianne got the position and excelled.  She then was my teaching aide for 2 semesters.  As you might imagine, I only pick the best and brightest students to help me.  Brianne had an instant rapport with the students.  She was able to critique their short comings and keep them focused without any hard feelings.  They all adored her and I felt she had not only a gift for nursing, but for teaching as well.

Brianne graduated from nursing school and began working as a graduate nurse on 7W.  Even as a brand new nurse Brianne asked me to give her students that needed special attention.  It was a pleasure to come to the unit with my class and see her there.  She loved working with the students and did an outstanding job with them.  She was a role model and mentor.

One day last Spring I was on the unit and Brianne was upset that her patient wasn’t getting adequate pain relief.  Since we are on a cancer unit pain is a continual problem.  What struck me were the lengths Brianne went to get pain relief for her patient.  She tried several avenues and was turned down, but she wouldn’t and didn’t give up until she got the order that gave her patient relief.  I had several opportunities to be proud of Brianne, but this day I was especially so. 

May all of us be so fortunate to have someone like Brianne at our bedside when we need them.  The loss of Brianne is something so monumental I cannot fully absorb it.  My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends; Brianne was a special individual I will never forget.
 
Joyce Esernia

I am so deeply sorry.  I loved Brianne.  I met her in the organic chemistry class at Palomar Junior College.  We became chemistry partners in class.  She was beautiful, kind, funny, everything good.  We talked about going to nursing school at San Diego State.  I went to SDSU one semester before she did, and anxiously waited for her.  

I was so impressed with her that I wanted her to meet my two sons and hoped that eventually, she might begin dating one of them.  I could not have picked a better daughter-in-law.  I also introduced her to my daughter that they might develop a friendship.  I was so impressed with her countenance, and I wanted all that was good in her to be a positive influence and a beacon for my family. 

After I graduated nursing school, I moved to Tennessee with my husband.  Thankfully, I maintained contact with her.  Via the myspace.com, I met her boyfriend.  The puzzle picture on “my space” shows how lovely they were.  My condolences to him.

I remember - being a fellow nursing student and one semester her senior - suggesting that she enroll in Joyce Esernia’s class.  She loved Prof. Esernia.  She loved nursing.  She loved life.  She loved her brother and sister, and spoke of them often.  She loved her mom and dad.

This world has lost a precious gem.  I will never forget her.

Vickie Camilli

I met Brianne through another good friend of ours, Lesley. My best memories of Brianne are with Lesley when they would come to my house and keep me occupied while my husband was in Iraq during the beginning days of the war. We would spend sunday afternoons cooking meals for each other and watching "Friends". Her awesome smile has always cheered me and everyone around her. I was fortunate to spend a day recently with her. Even in her busy schedule she managed to find time to come and help me pack for our move. She spent most of the afternoon playing with my new son. We are all at a great disadvantage to lose such a wonderful person but we are also all so very lucky to have shared a moment of her life.

Christie Waltman (friend)

Brianne's name alone brings a smile to my face. I met Brianne at work. Everyday I worked with her, her smile would lift the spirits on the floor. Her warmth, compassion, and love were always and will always be felt by her patients and everyone she has touched. It was always those small things Bri did that made her - her. One of my favorite memories of Brianne was when we went to a play that a coworker was in and in the middle of the play we got the giggles and couldn't stop. At that point everything was funny and people around us were looking at us...and of course we laughed more. She will always be with us, looking over us, teaching us and guiding us and for that we are blessed. I am thinking and praying for you all.

Sara Colvin (coworker)

Brianne was the teaching assistant during my third semester of nursing school at San Diego State, and I could not have asked for a better person to be in that role! Brianne was always there with a smile on her face bright and early Monday mornings which made clinicals such a ease to go to. This was one of my most challenging clinical rotations, however because of her I was able to put my fears aside and get through it and feel as though my confidence has grown. She was always there to lend a helping hand when you had to do a procedure to a patient that you weren't feeling 100% about doing on your own and she was one of those that you could ask just about anything without feeling like it was a dumb question. I learned so much through that semester, Spring of 2005, in nursing and in life alone and I owe a lot of that to Bri! The Lord is certainly lucky to have someone like Brianne with him each and everyday now. Bri - you will be missed forever, see you again someday!

Abby Fairfield

I open any of my photo albums and Brianne is there smiling back at me on every other page. I remember back to color guard days, practicing and performing together, we had so much fun. I remember our lunches together, always at our same table sharing food and lots of laughs. I have great memories of hanging out in Carlsbad, when Bri and I were the girls in the group. We had many happy nights tasting the fine selection of wine from Trader Joes, walking to the beach and having wings on Thursdays. I remember the fun times in my apartment in Del Mar. I will treasure our old time picture from the Fair. I will remember Brianne’s smile, her hugs, all the fun, but most of all the love that just poured out of her. The only way that I can cope with this tragedy, is by the grace of God. I believe Brianne is being rewarded by God for being such a wonderful person, He is just bringing her home sooner for all the good things she has done. She has just been called up to heaven to care over us in a different way. Brianne was the best type of friend anyone could have, she was always there for me with encouragement support and celebration. I will love her always.

Tiffany Southard

We met “Breezy” as we affectionately referred to her about a year ago; seems just like yesterday now. We have never known someone so full of life and with such a positive and cheery outlook on life. She was one of the only people we knew who didn’t seem jaded by life at all; she lived everyday to the fullest!! You brought so much to our lives in the short time we had the honor of knowing you. We had many a late poker night…We always joked that we all knew when Bri had a great poker hand because she would always get this big grin on her face and would reach for her chips immediately! Oh how we are going to miss that… we love you Bri! God Bless your wonderful family, friends, and sweet Kyle.

Dan and Tracy Brown

I was Brianne's critical care course instructor for her final semester at SDSU. Her death is an incredible shock, even to those of us who witness such tragedies on a daily basis. Brianne was a wonderful student with an obvious love and passion for nursing. Her smile was contagious and she was a blessing and an inspiration to her fellow students. It was clear that her contribution to her patients and the profession would be significant. And it was, even though her time with us was short. Her life will serve as a testimony to all who knew her and many who did not.

Beverly Carlson

Brianne was a smiling face that graced our world for too short of a period. I remember seeing her in the halls at SDSU and she always had a kind word. She touched the lives of so many here in the School of Nursing and is fondly remembered. One thing that came to my mind about her death is that she died helping others and sacrificed her life for others---sounds like someone else I know...JESUS. God bless Brianne and may we all learn from your short but gifted, loving life.

Mary Beth Parr

The lost of this incredible lovely young lady is beyond understanding. Brianne truly was one of the brightest stars on Seven West and our 2006 Rookie of the Year. We knew she was special from the start. She has left an indelible imprint on our lives. I came to know Brianne as Unit Based Educator on Seven West. She had a gift for precepting and although her years of experience were few she was a wonderful mentor to several of our New Grads. They described her as "organized", and "always reinforcing Best Practice", "she is always by the book." "Her suggestions are postive and helpful." "She makes me do the critical thinking." She touched our lives in a wonderful unique way and she will never be forgotten.

Lois Roach

Brianne was an exceptional young woman. She was a 'super star' new grad on 7 West, showing a maturity beyond her years. Nursing was Brianne's calling and, as her professors and students can attest to, she also had a gift for teaching. Brianne had great enthusiasm for her work and for life. She was always so positive, so willing to help others - a true role model for all of us. Brianne had a smile that could light up a room and immediately set people at ease. I feel fortunate to have known Brianne and I will never forget her.

Denise Lee (coworker)

I know that everyone on this email list has been touched by Brianne in some special way. My mind is filled with her bright smiling face and cute, happy voice. And my heart is literally overwhelmed with grief as I know so, so many are experiencing the same thing. One simple but sweet memory I have of Brianne is her love of my French toast. It’s sort a funny thing to share but it is a precious memory. On the many occasions that Brianne spent the night at our house, she always wanted me to make French toast for breakfast. And she would always say “ You make the best French toast, better than anyone else’s.” It’s a fun memory and brings along with it memories of lots and lots of fun times that went along with the French toast breakfasts. I often think of Brianne when I make French toast and will forever I am sure. And although Brianne thought my French toast was the best on earth, I bet it’s even better in Heaven.

Melanie

Gone too soon. A flicker of light in an often harsh world ~~ Our Brianne was a shining example of how God's love can touch so many people through a single person. She loved her family and we loved her and always will. It's hard to let her go, but if there's to be peace in her passing, I must remind myself that she's in the loving arms of the Father and in the company of others that have gone before her that love her too. We'll see her again. Until then, she'll be missed but never forgotten.

Carolyn

The last time I saw Brianne she came to see me and my kids at a local park in San Diego. She was wearing a long skirt and tank top and her hair was long and curly, blonde and beautiful. I know all you ladies envied her beautiful hair as much as I did! Ironically, we talked that day about life, how much she was loving her nursing career and how she still was feeling challenged everyday at work. She talked about some of her patients and I could see in her eyes how much she cared about each one of them. And she talked about her plans and the life she was looking forward to with her boyfriend, Kyle. She talked about getting married and having kids and being with the man she loved. We talked about weddings and the future. She was so realistic and so optimistic. I was always impressed that a 25 year young, beautiful girl with a boyfriend, loads of friends and a job found time to come see me and my kids when I came to town. Nonetheless, last April she spent her free day off from work at Disneyland toting around my two young boys. She played the perfect roll on every ride with them laughing and teasing as if it was her first time ever to ride Dumbo. My boys love her. My very first holiday spent away from home was in Hawaii. I know it's a wonderful place but when your family is far away, it doesn't seem that great. That year, she came out to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with me to keep me company. She was always doing for others......even when she was just a kid. She and I ate crummy turkey and gravy at the hotel where I lived. We drove around a convertible for a week and saw every beach on the island. Who would have thought a 23 year old and a 12 year old could have so much fun together! My stories about Bree could go on forever, but I will save them for later as I plan to continue to talk about her and keep her alive in my heart. I hope all of our hurt and confusion can be comforted by knowing that she was our gift....even if it was for far too short a time.

Tana Thomas (Brianne's Cousin)

As a first semester student in the School of Nursing, Brianne demonstrated an uncanny ability to care for her patients' needs in a holisitc manner. Usually, it takes time for a beginning student to develop the organizational and multi-tasking focus that Brianne exhibited from the start. Her patients appreciated her sense of responsibility, conscientiousness, and, above all, her compassionate nature. As I reflect on my class of 90 students from Fall Semester, 2002, Brianne was unquestionably a role model for other students regarding professionalism in nursing. Her ethics, spirited nature, and unselfishness have left a lasting impression. She was born to be a nurse. I am thankful I had the opportunity to teach Brianne in her first medical-surgical clinical experience as well as in the classroom. The people she touched over her short life are indeed blessed. The loss is for those who have been denied the chance to know her. "A memory lasts forever. Never does it die. True friends stay together. And never say goodbye. Much love to you, Brianne,

Professor Nancy Lischke

BRIANNE

Whose smile was O so bright?
Who shined for Jesus like a light?
Who in a church would you find?
Who was one of a kind?
Who as pure and very sweet?
Who was funny and couldn't be beat?

BRIANNE

Who's been calm and so very strong?
Who to Jesus does belong?
It's you.

I admire Brianne as much as you do. She was an awesome person. Remember, we will get to see her again someday. I will pray for you every night. Brianne would want us to be happy.

Kaley Milligan age 11

Please check out this movie. Very moving. http://www.thedashmovie.com/

If you have something to add please e-mail j@brianneshelton.com