Lorene Shea Obituary — Honoring a Cherished Friend and Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
The passing of Lorene Shea on May 1, 2022, has left family, friends, and the broader community in mourning. Shea, a beloved friend, confidante, and family member, died by suicide after enduring a prolonged struggle with severe depression. Her death drew widespread attention not only because of her personal connections, including a decades-long friendship with television personality Kyle Richards, but also because it underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding mental health support and access to care. (PopCulture.com)
Born and raised in Southern California, Lorene Shea’s life was marked by loyalty, devotion, and meaningful relationships. From early childhood, she formed a close bond with Kyle Richards, meeting her at the age of seven. The two remained inseparable throughout their lives, with Richards frequently describing Shea as her closest confidante and “other half.” Their enduring friendship became a defining element of both women’s lives, built on shared experiences, trust, and unwavering support. (Yahoo)
Despite her outward warmth, generosity, and the positive energy she brought to those around her, Shea quietly struggled with mental health issues for many years. Friends and loved ones describe her battle with “debilitating depression,” which persisted even as she sought help and leaned on her support network. Although Shea’s family and friends encouraged her to pursue treatment and provided emotional support, systemic gaps in mental health care complicated her access to consistent, comprehensive services. In a tribute shared publicly, Richards acknowledged the extent to which efforts were made to provide Shea with assistance, while noting that the healthcare system ultimately failed to meet her needs. (PopCulture.com)
On May 1, 2022, at the age of 52, Lorene Shea died by suicide. The news, publicly shared by Richards, conveyed both grief and a recognition of Shea’s vibrant and caring personality. Those closest to her described the loss as devastating, emphasizing the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. Richards, in particular, spoke about the emotional weight of losing someone she had known and trusted for nearly five decades. (The List)
Lorene Shea is remembered for her generosity, thoughtfulness, and ability to uplift others. Loved ones recall her quick wit, her unwavering presence in both joyous and challenging times, and her dedication to her roles as mother, wife, and aunt. Though her professional life was not widely publicized, she left a lasting mark on her community, reaching beyond her well-known association with Richards to touch countless lives through her compassion, encouragement, and personal warmth. (PopCulture.com)
In the wake of her death, tributes from peers, friends, and fans highlighted Shea’s remarkable kindness and the stark contrast between her public demeanor and the private struggles she faced. Many have used her passing as an opportunity to advocate for improved mental health awareness, early intervention, and accessible emotional support systems, emphasizing the need for community, family, and institutional engagement in supporting those in crisis. (PopCulture.com)
Lorene Shea’s legacy is preserved in the memories of those who loved her, her unwavering loyalty, and the compassion she demonstrated throughout her life. She is remembered not only as a lifelong friend to Kyle Richards but as a person whose presence positively affected everyone around her. Her death has sparked ongoing dialogue about how families, communities, and healthcare providers can better support individuals grappling with depression and other mental health challenges. (PopCulture.com)
Though her life ended too soon, Shea’s impact continues through the relationships she nurtured, the love she freely shared, and the renewed focus on mental health awareness that her passing inspired. She will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.
