Shelly Kerchner

Shelly Kerchner, born on August 15 in Hanover, PA; died peacefully with her partner at her side on January 10th, 2025 at CMMC. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sharon Kerchner and William Kerchner. She is survived by her beloved partner, Tracy Tredennick, and brothers Scott (NY) Steve (Hanover) and nephew Wyatt (NY). Shelly faced many adversities in her life from crippling scoliosis as she wore a metal brace throughout her childhood and later surviving a spinal cord injury which resulted in paralysis at the age of 39. In a testimony to resilience, she touched countless lives with her graciousness, tenacity, determination, contagious laughter and beauty that radiated brightly from the inside out. Shelly loved freely and fiercely. She loved Jesus, their cat family, her friends, her faith community, the sun, the outdoors, especially the water and the ocean. Some of her accomplishments include publishing her story and testimony of faith in God’s healing in her book: Standing Tall: The Healing Power of Gratitude, (Create Space, 2017), starting a nonprofit dedicated to accessible water recreation: Open Waters for All, fundraising to install an accessible kayak launch at the Quemahoning reservoir, pursuing her Yoga Teacher Certification to teach adaptive yoga, Rotary, and hospice volunteer. She was also a tireless disability advocate and believed in equality for all beings. Shelly participated fully in the life of her community and was a popular motivational speaker at local universities and service organizations. Shelly was an active and beloved member of Stahl Mennonite Church. She was so loved and will be deeply missed. Shelly is now running in the light with God. A Celebration of Life service will be held May 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Stahl Mennonite Church. Donations in Shelly's memory can be made to Open Waters for All via the Community Foundation, Johnstown, PA or Stahl Mennonite Church accessibility fund.

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