Selene Dana Gallopo

Selene Dana Gallopo of Biltmore Lake, NC passed away October 22, 2018 in the early morning hours, surrounded by great love at the Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville. Selene was born in Loma Linda, California February 16, 1940. A true Southern California girl, who loved the ocean, animals, nature, beauty, travel, art, music, science, people, friends, family and life. Selene had an inherent ability to make each person she met feel special. Holding her head high, she could sail into a room and touch each individual with the gift of her smile. Always looking up, open to the world and truly rejoicing and celebrating others triumphs and joys. Selene graduated from Redlands University earning a Bachelors in Biology degree and went on to work with Doctor Bruce Halstead at World Life Research Institute studying poisonous and venomous marine animals, and diving in the Great Barrier Reef studying the migration of the Grey Shark with Jean Michel Cousteau. An artist of many mediums, she not only painted, sewed, illustrated and decorated, but was a prolific singer/songwriter and spent some of her fondest times performing; a legacy she shared with her children and grandchildren. Selene traveled the world and lived many lifetimes in her 78 years. A 25-year Cancer survivor, she became a role model in survival, positivity, elegance, grace, grit and love. In her own words “My life has been great! Filled with love, laughter, pain and sorrow. In other words I have lived life. There have been magic, great friends, and a great marriage. No regrets. I loved it!” Selene is survived by her beloved husband Charles P. Gallopo of Biltmore Lake, NC; daughter Shell Danielson Lewis, son-in-law Harry Lewis, and granddaughter Andalyn Lewis of Biltmore Lake, NC; daughter Christie Gallopo Ritter, son-in-law K. Thomas Ritter, and grandsons Trey and Charles Ritter of Norfolk VA; son Todd Gallopo and daughter-in-law Irina Gallopo of Toluca Lake, CA; sister Dona Summers of San Jacinto, CA; sister Arline Wilhoit of Mineral Bluff, GA; and brother Robert Manning of Redlands, CA. A memorial and celebration of life will be held in December, with date and details TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Care Partners Foundation on behalf of the Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.