Sydell Lowell Voeller grew up in Edmonds, Washington, and has lived in Forest Grove, Oregon for many years. Her family consists of a husband, two grown sons and their wives, and four grandchildren.

Sydell has been a violinist in semiprofessional orchestras, a registered nurse, and a writing instructor for the LongRidge Writer's Institute. Her interests include reading, camping, astronony, crafting, astronomy, and playing with her two cats.