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Rochelle Green Neiburger, Age: 77

Rochelle Green Neiburger, 77, of Stilwell died on January 22nd, 2025 after a hard fought battle with an aggressive and rare neuroendocrine cancer. Shellie was born to Frieda and Isaac Green, Holocaust survivors, in Brooklyn, New York. She attended New York public schools and Hunter College High School in Manhattan, New York. She graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and subsequently was awarded her Ph.D. in Microbiology (Immunology) at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago. In Chicago, she met her husband, Jim, a medical student, and they were married one year later. After graduation, they relocated to Indiana University Medical Center - Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis where Shellie completed a three year post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric cancer research. During this time, Shellie authored a number of scientific publications on childhood leukemia and cellular immunology. Following her post-doctoral fellowship, Shellie and Jim moved to Kansas City where she worked as a research scientist in Immunology and Allergy at Children's Mercy Hospital. She presented papers at numerous national scientific meetings and published articles in scientific journals such as Nature and The New England Journal of Medicine among others. With the birth of her second child, Shellie interrupted her research career to become a full-time mother. After a few years, she began to manage Jim’s private medical practice in Leawood and Overland Park, growing the practice to five physicians and thirty employees. Following retirement, she became a full-time grandma (Bubbie), gardener, caretaker of wildlife, champion baker, and homemaker. 

 

Shellie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jim, son Eli (Deanne), daughter Abby (Bo), brother Howard (Maureen), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Skip and Sue, three grandchildren, Nemo, Ray, and B, nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and her pets, Eleanor and Ketzi.

 

The family is grateful to the staff at the KU Cancer Center, the Cambridge A 11th floor Oncology Unit, and Kansas City Hospice House. Memorial donations may be made to the Kansas City Hospice House Donate - Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care or your favorite charity.
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Condolences

Alexandra Chelsky Jan 23, 2025

Cousin ,Thornhill ,Illinois

Dear Jim, Eli, Abby, Skip, and Susan. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved my family vacations bring able to see you during my summers. Shellie will be missed by all. I'm thinking of you all. Love Alexandra

Brooke Capps Jan 24, 2025

Friend ,Stilwell ,Kansas

Dr. Neiburger and family I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Shellie. I was so lucky to have spent so many working years with you both at AAC. When Shellie hired me I remember feeling a little anxious about accepting the job because she was very matter of fact on the phone, but wow did I make the best decision to work at AAC. Reflecting now I realize that she was just a New Yorker. I was immediately welcomed and quickly learned we weren’t just employees, but an extension of the family. I’m honestly not sure I would have continued with my nursing career had I not accepted this opportunity. I was able to learn the world of allergy by two incredibly intelligent people. Shellie always did fun things to make work special. Ragweed parties, celebrating national food holidays, making t-shirts when moving offices etc. It was those little things that made a lasting connection. I’m so grateful she had some good years of retirement, I always loved talking about gardening with her. There really are no words other than I’m sorry. Your family is in my thoughts. Thank you for being such a big part of my life. I will never forget her. Brooke Capps

Miles Schnaer Jan 24, 2025

friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Jim and the Neiburger Family It brings such sadness to the entire Schnaer Family about Shellie's passing. You all are like family to us and our thoughts and prayers are with you. However the memories from all the years that we have known you all are some of the best, both personal and professional. We love you all!!

Esther & Stewart Stein Jan 24, 2025

Wonderful Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

In 1980 we moved into our new home across the street from the Neiburger Family.Having built their home just prior to our construction they shepherded us through the construction process.This was the start of many years of friendship, guidance and love that we shared with each other. We enjoyed spending holidays together and many conversations on the island between our houses. After 28 years we downsized and moved from our neighborhood. Although we lived some distance from one another, we maintained our love and friendship for each other. Shellie was a very kind special friend who always said the right thing and she still liked to talk on the phone rather than text! She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Her memory will always be a blessing.

Kristi Herschberger Jan 25, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

She was simply the best. She treated everyone with love and compassion. Many times, my youngest with special needs, would only acknowledge Bubbie at events. She was amazing and will be missed. Thinking of you all!

Nikki N Jan 25, 2025

I enjoyed working with Shellie and Dr Neiburger for a number of years at Allergy and Asthma Care. I loved Shellie's sharp wit and sense of humor. She loved her kids and grandkids. She was an inspiration and will be missed.

Jodi Jenkins Jan 26, 2025

Friend ,Columbia ,Tennessee

To know Shellie was to love her. She was more than a boss, she genuinely cared about everyone she came in contact with. Shellie was the work mom that took care of us all. I will forever be thankful to have had her in my life. She was there for me in my darkest days and always believed in me. The Neiburgers are the most loving people I have ever met! Allergy and Asthma wasn’t a job to them it was family! I just wish I had more time with her! Dr Neiburger and Abby I’m sending love and hugs during this time! Xoxo

Steven and Emily Smith Jan 26, 2025

Family friend/past patient ,Olathe ,Kansas

Condolences to Dr. Jim and family. May your memories of Rochelle be of comfort at this difficult time.

Michelle Kelsey Jan 27, 2025

Former Employee ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Shellie was a bright light and such a wonderful soul. I had the pleasure of working for her and Dr. Neiburger from 2009 until their retirement in 2017. She was kind, intelligent, warm and honestly one of the best bosses I’ve ever worked for. Sending all of my love to Dr. Neiburger and the rest of the family during this difficult time. May her memory live on through you all.