After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Alicia Petrilli Shaia died on Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 in Colleyville, TX at the age of 44. She is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, Chris Shaia and her two amazing daughters Natalie, 11 and Lauren, 9.

Alicia is also survived by her mother, Cheryl Petrilli of Murfreesboro, TN her father, Paul (Lori) Petrilli also of Murfreesboro, TN and her brother, Garth (Joy) Petrilli and her nieces and nephew, Olivia, Avery, and Trace, of Smyrna, TN.

Alicia was a native of Murfreesboro, TN and was a 1988 graduate of Oakland High School and 1992 graduate of MTSU. She truly enjoyed playing the flute and piccolo in the Oakland High School and MTSU marching bands. Alicia used her degree in Mass Communications working for NBC news at the Dallas, TX, West Palm Beach, FL and Atlanta, GA affiliates.

Alicia was a devoted mother and wife and was very involved in her children's lives. She had a magnetic personality and was a friend to everyone she met. She was a compassionate and kindhearted soul who would go out of her way to brighten anyone's day.

Despite the intense chemotherapy treatments, hospitalizations, and pain, Alicia' remained extremely positive. Her will to fight and live one day longer never wavered and her bravery was contagious. She was a true inspiration to family, friends and even strangers. Throughout her entire battle with cancer she always expressed appreciation for the dedication of the Texas Oncology staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alicia's name to Fort Worth based Community Hospice of Texas, who provide incredible compassion and loving care for Alicia during her final days.
Memorial services are being planned in Colleyville, TX and Murfreesboro, TN with dates and times to be announced shortly.