Chelsea Gabrielle Bley

She is survived by her mother, Patricia Bley and Sandra Criswell, co-parent; her brother, Damian Sachs Bley; niece, Adaline Rey Bley; aunts: Harriet Buono, Susan Rooney and Janice Mescal; uncle, John Justice; close friends: Amanda Cotorakas DeBoer, Mimi Carmine and Cherlee Hilbers. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Bley.

Chelsea lived with physical challenges her entire life. She was diagnosed with kidney disease at two months old and had needed dialysis treatments three times a week since 2008. She received a kidney transplant twice and hoped for a third.

Chelsea competed in Fort Myers Middle Academy's science fair and placed in 6th and 7th grades and won in her 8th grade year. She played flute in the middle school band and was a Girl Scout throughout her childhood and teenager years. Chelsea was an athlete on her school swim team and a member of Swim Florida.

After high school, Chelsea attended USF, St. Petersburg, andlater Edison community college. She always hoped to return to school and complete her degree.

With all her limitations, Chelsea still managed two jobs, a medical biller for ABS Billing Services working with her other mom Sandy as well as office assistant at her mom’s business, Paws N Claws, all that in between her dialysis schedule.

Chelsea loved drawing and anything involving pencils, paper and especially tape. Many family members can attest to the use of tape on holiday packages. Chelsea had great fun demonstrating that skill.

There are so many memories of Chelsea and her brother Damian. One really fond memory is at Disney. Disney had an attraction called World of Coke that had self-serve Coke products from around the world. We tried the drinks and some of them were awful. We stood back and watched and it was hilarious when someone approached a nasty one and then drank it. The faces the people made were so funny. Then I looked at Damian and Chelsea's faces so squinty from laughing so hard. Good memories.

Chelsea loved her niece Adaline and her newly acquired nieces, Kay, Bella, and Chloe. She didn't get to visit with them much, but was over the moon when talking on FaceTime or getting videos and photos. And although she hadn't had contact in a while, she still loved and remembered the good times with her former stepson Dionell.

It has been so difficult composing this tribute because of the realization of never seeing you again,

never hearing your laugh or feeling your skin on my lips as I kiss your cheek. No more putting together jigsaw puzzles or games of backgammon. No more telling you I love you and you responding I love you more.

Chelsea, I will never not miss you. We should've had more time. I love you so much, love you more.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Chelsea’s memory would be appreciated to the National Kidney Foundation at support.kidney.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Bley family.