Shelly Rene Hiers Gianotti, 51, of Vero Beach, passed away on May 29, 2015, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.
She is survived by her son, Stephen Craig Gianotti and his fiance Danella Eads; grandchildren Jaden and Jackson Gianotti; best friend and companion for 16 years, John Almeda; father Bobby J. Hiers; sisters Pamela Hiers-Butz (Thomas Butz), Kelly Hiers, and Stacy Hiers-Hockenhull (Neil C Hockenhull); nephews Kyle Fowler, Kasey Fowler, Andrew Butz, and Hayden Hockenhull; nieces Christiana Butz and Alana Hockenhull; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly.
Born in Melbourne, Fla. on March 28, 1964, she was the daughter of Bobby J. Hiers and the late Mary Frances Waters Hiers. Gianotti grew up in Vero Beach and attended Vero Beach High School and Indian River State College.
She was the Vice President and CFO of North South Supply, where she worked tirelessly her entire adult life.
Gianotti had a passion for adventure, from sky-diving to jet skiing to sailing the Atlantic and Pacific with her best friend and longtime companion John, she had an amazing zest for life. Never one to sit idle for even a moment, she was always planning her next adventure.
Gathering with family and friends were a priority in Gianotti’s life. She had an abundance of pride for her only son Stephen, who blessed her with two beautiful grandchildren, whom she adored. She shared a most unique bond with her identical twin sister Kelly. Together they tackled all of life’s hurdles and shared a lifetime of treasured memories and milestones.
We will forever cherish the memories of Shelly. Her passing has indeed left a void in all of our lives, but we are all better off having loved and been loved by her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Vero Beach. A private entombment will be held Thursday, June 4, with family at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Ft. Pierce. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. An online guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
