This will not be your typical obituary because Shelby Ann Tomczak Offrink was not your typical 31 year-old. She came into this world on February 6th 1984 as a fiery red head and hilarity quickly ensued. The world became much funnier as this turtle chasing, lobster catching toddler grew into a teen who rocked the sports field and aced her academics. With her comedic timing and selfless nature, this girl couldn’t make fewer friends if she tried. Anyone who met Shelby instantly became enamored and considered her one of their closest friends. Shelb’s leadership and charisma carried her through her adolescent years. She earned a full ride to Western Michigan University through their Medallion Scholarship Program. It was at WMU, studying chemical engineering that she met her future husband, Ben Offrink. Ben and Shelby fell madly in love and embarked on a world traveling, inseparable journey together. Shelby then joined the Stryker family where she was destined for success and lasting friendships. After marrying Ben in 2007 and adding to their family with Maeve in 2011 and Hazel in 2013, Shelby was at the top of her game. Maeve and Hazel fulfilled their dream of having a family together. Shel inspired everyone around her and will continue to inspire those she left behind. In February 2014, Shelby was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma of the spine and spent the next 16 months fighting her disease with humor and grace. Her biggest fans, the loves of her life, Maeve and Hazel (4 years and 18 months) cheered her on endlessly. She fought like a honey badger until June 28, 2015 when she left this world and Heaven became much funnier. We celebrate her life but will miss her terribly forever. Shelby was preceded in death by her grandparents Lois Hines, James Hines, and Dolores Tomczak. She will be especially missed by her adoring husband, Ben Offrink, beautiful daughters Maeve and Hazel Offrink, her loving and always supportive parents Roger and Kathy Tomczak, devoted brothers Jason Tomczak and Luke Tomczak, grandfather Roger Tomczak, untiring parents-in-law James and Sally Offrink, siblings-in-law Laura (Jeremy) Kelsey and Andy (Kelly) Offrink, in addition to many aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friends across the globe. Shelby’s extraordinary life will be celebrated with a visitation at the Grand Volute Ballroom, 655 Lincoln Lake Ave SE, Lowell, Michigan on Wednesday, July 8th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and a Mass of Christian burial at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Ave. NE, Ada, MI on Thursday, July 9th at 11:00 AM. Flowers are beautiful, but the family would prefer donations be made to the Shelby Tomczak Offrink Scholarship Fund at any Mercantile Bank. In the spirit of the community support bestowed upon Shelby and her family, they would like to pay-it-forward Shelby style by establishing a scholarship in her name for a Lowell graduate. You left this world just as you lived- with heart, love, determination, fearlessness and no regrets. We love you Shelby!
