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On April
27, 1986, a beautiful life began. Big brother Jared welcomed his
little sister into his life. Because Shana never slept through
the night until she was three years old, we had no idea what a
sweet, compassionate and loving child she would become.
Through Shana’s many years of Brownies and Girl Scouts, her
competitive spirit challenged her to sell the most Girl Scout
cookies in her troop. Her perseverance and tenacity became
apparent at a very young age. |
Pee Wee
soccer started at age five and continued for 10 years including
travel soccer. Always athletic, but height-challenged at only
five feet, Shana made the seventh grade basketball team through
sheer determination and even scored some points. In eighth
grade, Shana discovered a new sport and fell in love with
lacrosse. Her passion for the sport intensified and she remained
a committed team player on the junior varsity and varsity teams,
being named co-captain in her senior year. A new annual high
school lacrosse award in Shana’s memory has been established.
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Shana was actively involved in all school activities from student government
to athletics to community involvement. In eighth grade, Shana was co-awarded
the sportsmanship award which has been renamed the Shana Kay Memorial
Sportsmanship Award honoring her memory at the middle school. As a senior, she
was thrilled to be nominated a candidate for homecoming queen. Her most
coveted achievement was to be selected as a sign language interpreter for her
graduating Class of 2004. Shana’s Commack crew will always be remembered.
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Being accepted at the University of Wisconsin, Shana’s first choice, fulfilled
her academic dream and was a testament to her diligence as a student. Shana
absolutely loved her freshman year of college and had countless memories of
her first year. Her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, was an integral part of her
life at the university. Shana’s Wisconsin girls and boys will always be
remembered.
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Another compelling aspect of her life was attending Camp Kinder Ring
sleep-away camp in upstate New York from age 9 to 19. Camp was unequivocally
the highlight of her life. From camper to waitress to counselor, Shana
cherished every summer and developed friendships that enriched her life
profoundly. During various summers, she was honored to be camper-captain of
the Maccabean games, camper of the year and ultimately, the Maccabean leader
during the summer of 2004. Camp was her world. Shana’s Kinder Ring buddies
will always be remembered.
On July 3, 2005, a beautiful life tragically came to an end.
As a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend, Shana Michelle Kay
will always be remembered. We know love is immortal and we have dedicated our
very living to Shana’s life, not her death. She will always be forever in our
hearts! |
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