Shanee Michelle Smith

IN LOVING MEMORY

SHANEE MICHELLE SMITH

FEBRUARY 06, 1989 - APRIL 03, 2024

Our beloved Shanee’ Michelle Smith, 35, entered this world on February 6, 1989, at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Bronx, NY, welcomed by her loving parents Rosezell Cusack and Danny Smith. Shanee’ was raised alongside her oldest sister, Crystal, in the heart of Spanish Harlem by her mother. She cherished her role as the baby sister but embraced her new title as big sister with the arrival of younger brother Jaylin and younger sister Jade when her father and stepmother, Nancy, expanded their family. From her earliest days, Shanee’ found boundless delight in the loving companionship of friends and family. She was treasured by her godparents, who took pleasure in indulging her with simple delights like a plate of mozzarella cheese sticks. Her love for food blossomed, becoming a constant thread throughout her life. Alongside her passion for food, Shanee’ found solace in books and dance, whether in classes at Ruth Williams Dance Studio or creating routines with her sister Crystal. Summers spent with her grandmother in the country provided cherished memories of swimming and outdoor adventures with cousins. Her childhood was further illuminated by lifelong friendships with Nattise, Ryan, Ajueli, Lauren, and Erika. Known for her compassionate nature, Shanee’ forged deep connections with others, fostering strong bonds with her younger cousins, niece, nephew, and her beloved Dream. Her profound faith in God was a cornerstone of her life, nurtured since her baptism in 2001. Shanee's educational journey took her through P.S. 108, Boys Harbor, and Manhattan East for elementary and middle school before she found her stride at Beacon High School, where she excelled academically and artistically. Her enthusiasm for Beacon inspired her youngest sister, Jade, to follow in her footsteps. Shanee’ ultimately decided to dedicate herself to studying business management at Bronx Community College. Balancing a full-time position at Aon Management Consulting Company with her studies, Shanee’ graduated in 2023 with honors and a specialization in Risk Management, exemplifying her dedication to learning. Throughout her life, Shanee’ pursued a variety of interests, from engineering to barista work and cosmetology, Her latest passion for cooking allowed her to share her love of homemade dishes like her famous ribs, macaroni and cheese, and chicken rigatoni with vodka sauce. Shanee's adventurous spirit led her to explore new cultures in places like Asheville, NC, and Paraguay, where she fearlessly embraced survival in the wilderness and contributed to community projects, including building a bridge for a small village. Her transformative journey through several cities in Colombia in December 2023 brought her inner peace and joy. Shanee’ departed from this world on April 3, 2024, preceded in death by her father, Danny Smith (Nancy Benson), her maternal grandmother, Betty Cusack Hunter (James Hunter), and her paternal grandmother, Linda Smith. She is survived by her mother, Rosezell Cusack; sister, Crystal Stroud (Jermeir Stroud); brother, Jaylin Smith; sister, Jade Benson-Smith; maternal grandfather, Roosevelt Lewis(Rosa Faye Lewis); paternal grandfather, Howard Smith; nephew, Jordan Stroud; niece, Charli Stroud; partner, Fred Campbell; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, godparents, cousins, and friends. Shanee's warmth, infectious laughter, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She embodied the essence of “Live, Laugh, Love”. Her absence will be deeply felt and forever cherished in our heartsOur beloved Shanee’ Michelle Smith entered this world on February 6, 1989, at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Bronx, NY, welcomed by her loving parents Rosezell Cusack and Danny Smith. Shanee’ was raised alongside her oldest sister, Crystal, in the heart of Spanish Harlem by her mother. She cherished her role as the baby sister but embraced her new title as big sister with the arrival of younger brother Jaylin and younger sister Jade when her father and stepmother, Nancy, expanded their family. From her earliest days, Shanee’ found boundless delight in the loving companionship of friends and family. She was treasured by her godparents, who took pleasure in indulging her with simple delights like a plate of mozzarella cheese sticks. Her love for food blossomed, becoming a constant thread throughout her life. Alongside her passion for food, Shanee’ found solace in books and dance, whether in classes at Ruth Williams Dance Studio or creating routines with her sister Crystal. Summers spent with her grandmother in the country provided cherished memories of swimming and outdoor adventures with cousins. Her childhood was further illuminated by lifelong friendships with Nattise, Ryan, Ajueli, Lauren, and Erika. Known for her compassionate nature, Shanee’ forged deep connections with others, fostering strong bonds with her younger cousins, niece, nephew, and her beloved Dream. Her profound faith in God was a cornerstone of her life, nurtured since her baptism in 2001. Shanee's educational journey took her through P.S. 108, Boys Harbor, and Manhattan East for elementary and middle school before she found her stride at Beacon High School, where she excelled academically and artistically. Her enthusiasm for Beacon inspired her youngest sister, Jade, to follow in her footsteps. Shanee’ ultimately decided to dedicate herself to studying business management at Bronx Community College. Balancing a full-time position at Aon Management Consulting Company with her studies, Shanee’ graduated in 2023 with honors and a specialization in Risk Management, exemplifying her dedication to learning. Throughout her life, Shanee’ pursued a variety of interests, from engineering to barista work and cosmetology, Her latest passion for cooking allowed her to share her love of homemade dishes like her famous ribs, macaroni and cheese, and chicken rigatoni with vodka sauce. Shanee's adventurous spirit led her to explore new cultures in places like Asheville, NC, and Paraguay, where she fearlessly embraced survival in the wilderness and contributed to community projects, including building a bridge for a small village. Her transformative journey through several cities in Colombia in December 2023 brought her inner peace and joy. Shanee’ departed from this world on April 3, 2024, preceded in death by her father, Danny Smith (Nancy Benson), her maternal grandmother, Betty Cusack Hunter (James Hunter), and her paternal grandmother, Linda Smith. She is survived by her mother, Rosezell Cusack; sister, Crystal Stroud (Jermeir Stroud); brother, Jaylin Smith; sister, Jade Benson-Smith; maternal grandfather, Roosevelt Lewis(Rosa Faye Lewis); paternal grandfather, Howard Smith; nephew, Jordan Stroud; niece, Charli Stroud; partner, Fred Campbell; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, godparents, cousins, and friends. Shanee's warmth, infectious laughter, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She embodied the essence of “Live, Laugh, Love”. Her absence will be deeply felt and forever cherished in our hearts

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