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SHAPIRO WINSTON-SALEM - Elena Bright Shapiro' s precious life was cut short on Friday, September 11, 2009 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was born on November 14, 1988 in Winston-Salem to her very loving parents, Brantly Bright Shapiro and David Scott Shapiro. Elena was well-loved and cherished by all. She was a beautifully gifted dancer, who graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and was currently working with the Carolina Ballet in Raleigh. Elena was a incredibly dedicated daughter, sister and aunt. She is survived by her grief-stricken family: her Mom and Dad; sister, Bibiana Shapiro Fowler; brother: Samuel James Micic Shapiro; maternal grandparents: Ann and James Bright of Corpus Christi, Texas; her paternal grandmother: Nina Shapiro; her adored niece: Lily Elena Fowler; and her loving boyfriend: Cameron Alexander, as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends, who all loved her dearly. There has never been a more beautiful girl nor a more dedicated dancer. Our hearts are broken though we know she is now dancing with angels. A Funeral Service is being held on Tuesday, September 15 at 12 noon in Wait Chapel. A named scholarship in the School of Dance has been established at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, for more information or to make a donation please contact the Office of Advancement at UNCSA at 336-770-3330. Online condolences may be made to www.Salemfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Elena, you dance in the angels' presence, always remembered, never forgotten.
Regina Elliott
July 11, 2018
Dear Brantly,
I just heard of your tragic loss and cannot begin to express my sympathy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you His peace.
Charley Snow
October 10, 2009
Dearest Brantly,
The Pauca family was shocked and extremely saddened by your loss. Paul attended the memorial service at Wait Chapel and was deeply moved by the love that continues to surround Elena. We wanted to let you know Francesca and the rest of us continue to keep you and your beautiful family in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep always the love of Elena with you and bring you peace.
Paul, Theresa, Sofia, Francesca, and Victor
Paul Pauca
October 9, 2009
Dearest Brantly,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You were my bright light that called me to dance so many years ago and it clearly shone through Elena's eyes. I will do my best reflect that back to you and your family with all of my soul. You are all in my prayers.
All my love,
Kari
Kari Norwood
October 1, 2009
The Teague family continues to think of you all every day.
"May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds..."
David, Renee, Kendall and Emily Teague
Renee Teague
September 28, 2009
Dear Brantly,
Becky Elzner was here this weekend and brought the sad news. I cannot fathom your grief. I can only pray that with time the good memories will flourish and soften your sadness. My affection to you and your family.
Love,
Mary Ellen Bluntzer, M.D.
Mary Ellen Bluntzer,M.D.
September 27, 2009
Annie and I have often shared stories of our beautiful nieces...her Elena and my Emily. I simply can't imagine such a tragedy but only know to hold ALL of you close to my heart as you grieve such unspeakable pain and sorrow. Much love and light.
Debbie Slazer
September 22, 2009
Our condolence to the Bright/Shapiro family. Although we did not have the pleasure of meeting Elena, I feel we've watched her grow up through Annie's stories and updates. Our thoughts and love are with you.
M McCahon-House
September 21, 2009
We offer our our deepest condolences from Charlotte Limerick, Cameron Alexander's grandmother, and Philippa Alderton, Cameron's aunt. We both deeply regret never having met the young lady, who would have been a joy to welcome into our extended family, had that happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Philippa Alderton
September 19, 2009
Dear Shapiro Family,
As head of the Wake County Medical Society, my condolences go out to you from my heart to yours. As a parent whose daughter Julia died suddenly six weeks before her 20 birthday, I know something of your sorrow, dispair and loneliness. My prayers and those of my wife Cora reach out to you. Paul Harrison, Chapel Hill, NC
September 18, 2009
MY MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY
JUDI KAYE
September 18, 2009
Dear Shapiro Family,
We were so very, very sorry to learn of the loss of your beautiful Elena. It is evident that her gifts were many
and that she was a joy to you and all who knew her.
Our prayers and hearts are with you.
Maureen and Steve Dunkley
September 17, 2009
I do not know you...but my heart breaks for your family. God has you now ...may you dance in the heavens for our Lord... King of Kings, Prince of Peace.
September 17, 2009
We are so deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Elena. Our daughter, Taylor, was in "Miss Brantly's" classes at WFUCB for a number of years, and was in the occasional company of Sam and Elena as a result.
Please know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very, very sorry.
David, Donna, and Taylor Cook
September 17, 2009
Dear Brantley and family,
Miki and I are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy. We send our warmest condolences to you in this sad and difficult time.
Love,
Susan and Miki Margitic (Tanya's parents)
Susan Margitic
September 17, 2009
I did not know your daughter, only what I have read about her and seen on the news. What a beautiful young lady and what a tragedy. I pray that God can bring your family comfort at this time. I'm sure she is dancing in Heaven.
God Bless,
Lisa Sinclair
September 17, 2009
Although we have only met a couple of times, our mutual dear friends, Tim and Rose Lynne, speak of you often. Our hearts are filled with grief for your loss. Please know that we continue to pray for you each day.
Terry, Shannon, and Mary Margaret (UNCSA student) Johnson
September 17, 2009
My dear Brantley and family.
I was so sorry to here of the loss of your ever so talented daughter. Looking at her pictures and small parts of her dancing. She, talented like her gifted mother, also seemed to really care for others as much as she cared for herself.
Please live for her and keep on caring for the art she loved so much. It is in the Bright Shapiros' blood.
Your old friend from Corpus Christi, TX
Ricky Sanchez
September 17, 2009
I used to dance with Elena in the preparatory program at UNCSA when we were young and was fortunate enough to also have her mother as an instuctor. She was one of my favorite dance teachers. Even at a young age, Elena's passion for dance was apparent. Elena and her mother's love for dance and the work ethic that went along with it showed true dedication. When I was younger I admired Elena's grace and the natural ability she had for dance. This loss is truly tragic and I will keep Elena in mind in my future endeavors not only in dance, but in all of the goals I wish to accomplish. She was making her dreams come true and didn't lose sight of them. Mrs. Shapiro, her family and loved ones will continue to be in my prayers.
Jasmine Miller
September 16, 2009
I don't know your daughter, but I want you to know I am sorry for your loss. What a beautiful lady she was.
Friday night I too was traveling on that dark road, I was passed by the Dr. driving the car, I cringed as he passed and when I got to the bottom of that hill I saw your burden.
My heart goes out to you, may God Bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands.....
September 16, 2009
My dearest sweet Bright-Shapiro family. I received word of the unspeakable today. I know there are no written or spoken words that could provide you with comfort now, but I wanted you to know that there are aching hearts here in Texas where your memories are held dear. We would carry this burden for you if we could. Instead we send our love, an electronic embrace, and prayers for a peaceful passing of your grief. Love, Walter and Cheryl
Walter Harrell
September 16, 2009
My heart aches for all of you.
Lynn Byrd
September 16, 2009
Dear Shapiro Family,
My heart is broken for you and your family. Elena was a joy to work with and one of the nicest people I've ever had the opportunity to know. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Jessica Walls
September 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sonya Carver
September 16, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LaToya Spillman
September 16, 2009
What a beautiful girl. So sorry for this tragedy.
September 15, 2009
Dear Brantley and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I heard about your tragic loss today and I want to send my deepest condolences. Though I never knew Elena as an adult, I watched her grow up from a toddler to a pre-adolescent, as Brantley brought her to WFU Ballet often. I remember her as a silly, but well-behaved, vibrant, and patient child. And, even as a toddler, she was strikingly beautiful. I am truly saddened by this shocking news, and I send out my love and warm healing wishes to your family. I'm so sorry.
Love,
Tanya Margitic
Tatiana Margitic
September 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Paul and Angela Smith
September 15, 2009
Your family is in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences,
ABC of NC Child Development Center Staff
September 15, 2009
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Hundley
September 15, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tim Royall
September 15, 2009
Dear Shapiro Family,
Just a note to let you know that you are in our prayers and thoughts.
David K. Rowan
Flow Cadillac/Saab/Hummer
September 15, 2009
Dear Bright and Shapiro Family, We are very sorry for your loss. May God bless all of you with courage and strength to endure this time of inmense sadness.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lucho,Monica, Alonso and Nicolas Mackrizz
(dear friends of The Bright Family)
Corpus Christi, Texas
Luis & Monica Mackrizz
September 15, 2009
I danced at WF years ago and remember looking up to Elena. I remember one time she helped me during a dance rehearsal; her kindness to a total stranger I haven't forgotten. It's rare that you see such a sweet spirit in such a beautiful woman.
My deepest condolences to the Shapiro family.
c m
September 15, 2009
Dear Brantly and Family,
I was so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Billi Jo (Nelson) Butler
WFU Dance Company '89
September 15, 2009
Dear Bright and Shapiro families,
Sending all our love and deepest sympathy ...
Don, Kate, Adam and Ian Harvey
(Annie's friend & office-mate & family)
Don Harvey
September 15, 2009
Brantly, David, Biby and Sam,
I am so sorry. Just having had a daughter, I can't imagine how it would feel to lose one. I am sending you all
so much love and light. If you need anything, we are here for you.
Marwa Bernstein
September 15, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Moll
September 15, 2009
Please know that our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that your beautiful memories of Elena, and the remembrances of all whose lives she touched, will help to bring you comfort.
Scott, Elaine, and Matt Bauer
September 15, 2009
Dear Shapiro Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Melinda, John, Matthew and Rebecca Wentworth (sister and family of Amy Lamy)
Melinda Wentworth
September 15, 2009
Dear Brantley and David,
I was so sorry to hear of Elena's untimely death. I will keep your family in my prayers in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Janet Ellis (Linda Hill's sister)
September 15, 2009
An angel to be sure. I hope you know that your pain is shared by a very sincere and far-reaching ballet community. Love and prayers to you.
Michelle Beckwith
September 15, 2009
Brantly and David,
Our hearts go out to you and your entire family. Please know we have Elena and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
We send this with all our love,
Susan and Greg Campana
September 15, 2009
Dear Brantley and David,
We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Valerie and Carl von Isenburg
September 15, 2009
Dear David and Brantly,
I pray that God will give you a peace that truly surpasses understanding. Elena so obviously brightened the lives of everyone around her.
Words can't do justice to convey my sympathy.
Maureen Hall
Maureen Hall
September 15, 2009
Dear Brantly,David and family,
My heart goes out to you all and my prayers for God's healing touch are with you. The entire NCSA community is mourning the loss of your daughter.
Sincerely,
Terri Cox James
September 15, 2009
We are keeping Elena and all of your family in our hearts and prayers, with sincere condolences from Ann and Jerry Esch (Wake Forest)
September 15, 2009
David, Brantly, Bibi, and Sam,
I am heartbroken over your loss. Your family has always been good to me. Elena was such an amazing person. Sam, you have always been like a brother to me, I love you. I am here if you ever need anything. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am dedicating the running of my marathon to the memory of Elena. May she rest in peace.
Adam Banks
September 15, 2009
I only just joined Carolina Ballet and so never got to make all the memories with Elena that I was supposed to this year. Seeing the sadness of the entire organization is a testament to Elena's sweet character and unlimited potential, and the world mourns her loss. Sending you as much love and good thoughts as I know how, and please know that all of Carolina Ballet is here for you if you need anything, and that we're thinking about Elena and remembering the beauty she gave to the world.
Taisha Barton-Rowledge
September 15, 2009
We are truly heartsick and feel your pain. We want you to know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the comfort that only He can.
Roddy, Sylvania, Cherryn & Roddy Wilder
September 14, 2009
As an UNCSA alum, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers always.
My daughter NCSA Paloma Garcia - Lee ( Ballet - Acting 2005-2008) called me from backstage in her show and said she danced her show for Elena .
She is dancing with God and in HIS loving arms.
God is with you.. always
Terri Garcia
September 14, 2009
Shapiro Family,
I have only happy memories of Elena. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time. May God bring you peace and comfort in the days that follow.
Katie Woods
September 14, 2009
The entire Roddy family sends their prayers and condolences to you all. Our hearts go out to you.
Chris, Kathy, Chrissie and Donnie Roddy
Chrissie Roddy
September 14, 2009
My heart feels anguish for your devastating loss - no words are adequate to convey my sympathy.
Sincerely,
Renee Teague (Kendall's mother}
Renee Teague
September 14, 2009
I love you so much Elena. Your entire family have touched me throughout my life and I pray for them to lean on each other for strength. I was truly shocked to read the article. I logged onto facebook and I wish you could see the response of prayers and thoughts for you. You were SO loved.
I cherish my early memories of you.especially playing hide n' seek in your big family home with Brinkley and our Mommy's.
I will miss you forever. Love, Annabella
Annabella B
September 14, 2009
David,
May the love of God sustain you, the peace of God be with you, and the promise of God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
In sympathy,
Celeste Kimber
September 14, 2009
To the Shapiro family,
Elena was an inspiration to so many at NCSA. Our hearts ache for you at this time and pray your memories bring you comfort in time.
Our deepest sympathy, Debbie Trogdon-Stout and Nathalia Trogdon (NCSA-2008)
Debbie Trogdon-Stout
September 14, 2009
Dear Brantley and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I danced at WFU ('89) and left Winston-Salem before Elena was born. I am sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting this lovely young person. You are all in my thoughts.
Lori Leonard-Mann
September 14, 2009
David & family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies as you grieve the loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts are with you.
Emily Wilder
September 14, 2009
Dear Brantly,
I feel your loss. You have been a wonderful and fun loving mother for Elena, Bibiana and Sam. In your own very unique way you have shared with your children a very special direction, a love of ballet and a real passion for life. You have done everything you can do and you did it so very well. You, David, Bibiana and Sam are in our thoughts and prayers.
Catherine&Chiara Fagan
September 14, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Shapiro, Bibi, and Sam,
My heart is heavy tonight as I think and pray for all of you. I taught Bibi senior English at R. J. Reynolds, and our son, Blake, was in her graduating class. Please know that she now lends her gifts of dance to heaven.
Judy Oakley
September 14, 2009
Baruch Dayan Emet, The words are difficult to say. At a moment of loss or upon hearing sad news, we honor God as the True Judge. The blessing recalls that God, whose wisdom is praised when He provides open acts of goodness, is the very same God who decides the time of death. We know that she will spend eternity dancing for the Lord. You will continue in my prayers for the year to come.
NCSA Dance 1965, D&P 1972
Ari Casper
September 14, 2009
I am deeply sorry for Your and Our loss. Having been a dancer ( NCSA-73 ), I am sad about the loss of talent. Peace Michael Cain
September 14, 2009
I was shocked and saddened by this tragic event, which has taken Elena far before her time. As a classmate of hers, I know the NCSA community will never be the same without her. She was a bright star, true to her name; and I will cherish the memories I have of her, which I know now are far too few. My family and I will be keeping yours in our prayers. God bless you all in the days ahead, and I hope He brings you great peace.
Ashley White
September 14, 2009
Dear David and Brantley,
We were so moved and with anguish, to hear of your loss.
"For among these winters there is one so endlessly winter,
that only by wintering through it will your heart survive."
Rilke
For all the beauty you both have created in your individual ways, it will shine back down on you and your family. Don't give up.
Rebecca & John Briley
September 14, 2009
To the Shapiro Family,
Thank you for Elena. While I did not know her, I keep hearing about her many accomplishments and grace from so many around me... I have a little sister who who reminds me very much of her; her name is Eleonora and she too is a ballerina. I saw the name Bibi on here and believe I knew of her at NC State. To you Bibi, I am so terribly sorry; I am heartbroken. I remember you as a beautiful, loving girl and I am sure your little sister took after you well. I hope you find strength and your family sees some relief in the fact that she reached so many in ways many never do or are able to. Her spirit will carry on in dance and thank you for fostering such a talent.
D. Candice Viniotis
September 14, 2009
Comfort to all who loved her.
Holly Brooks
September 14, 2009
Our hearts are truly broken for your terrible and senseless loss. Our prayers of comfort, strength and peace are being sent to you during this time.
Paige, Billy & Hayley Morgan
NCSA family
September 14, 2009
As an UNCSA alum, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Leah Palmer-Licht
Class of 1996
Leah Palmer-Licht
September 14, 2009
I give many thanks that I have had the joy of teaching your children and loving all three. The world had lost a beautiful soul.
Sherri Andrews
NCSA Science Teacher
1995-2007
September 14, 2009
Dear Brantley, David & Sam,
"Where a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories..." My prayers of hope and peace and comfort are with you.
Julie Hammarback Money
September 14, 2009
David,
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family.
Jon Wilson
September 14, 2009
My thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow. Elena was a talented dancer.
Kelly Swindell
UNCSA Alumna
(H.S. Dance '84, M.F.A. D&P '07)
Kelly Swindell
September 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your sudden and tragic loss. Elena was well loved and talented and beautiful. She will not be forgotten. "to live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die"
Sandy Emile
September 14, 2009
My heart is broken as my words fail. Brantley, you were such a help to me when my nephew died, and hearing of Elena's death brought it all back to me. I know that there are no words to express how sorry I am that we've all lost Elena and been deprived of her talent and growth. I hope to be at the service tomorrow, and add my prayers and love to your family in this difficult time.
Much love to the whole family,
Sarah Shoaf, D.D.S.
September 14, 2009
My deepest sympathies on this tragic loss in your family. I am a high school dance alumni from 1984 and truly understand and admire the dedication and beautiful artistry that Elena must have brought to so many. It's a terrible loss of a bright young inspiring star in the ballet world. My thoughts are with you...Jacquie Zegan
Jacquie Zegan
September 14, 2009
David and Brantley,
Your wonderful Elena brought such joy to those around her, in her performances or just in the everyday of being herself. From LHC, I remember her as a sweet sprite visiting in the hallways and giving us her precious smile when you'd all come to see Daddy. My heart aches for each of you in these days, and you will remain in my prayers.
Lynn Davis Needham
September 14, 2009
May you find peace during this difficult time in your lives.
Amy McPeak
September 14, 2009
Prayers are sent out to all of family. I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all during your breavements.
God saw a beautiful flower to plant in His garden.
Angels live forever.
Prayfully
The Crawford family
Arnstine Crawford
September 14, 2009
Sam and family,
Our hearts go out to you in this tragic loss. Although nothing can really take away the pain you all must be feeling, we hope you can find some comfort in knowing that others care deeply and share your sadness.
With deepest sympathy, Mary Sue, Russell, Peter, and David Brandwein from Boston Ballet and soccer.
September 14, 2009
Dear Family,
Such a young soul to be taken away in such an ill-responsible situation. There is comfort in knowing that God loaned her to you for 20 years and you did a great job as her earthly parents. Your child, sister grand child is now back in the arms of her Godly Father. Keep the Faith & ask God for continued strength.
Darlene B. Jackson
Darlene Jackson
September 14, 2009
Brantley and Family,
You are in my thoughts and in my heart. I will hold you in my prayers.
Leah Roy
September 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Alison Godsey
September 14, 2009
"I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude has finally conquered the loss. "--- Rita Mae Brown
My heart aches for you and your family, Brantley...Elena was, and will always be remembered as such a bright young lady. I am grateful to have known her...
Beckie (Student of Brantley & babysitter of Bibi, Sam, & Elena)
Rebecca Kurland
September 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tucker Tharpe
September 14, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. I know that there are not enough words in this world that could stop the pain in your heart right now. But always remember, that God brought her home for a reason and now she is dancing in his house where she will always be safe. May God heal your heart and keep you safe. God Bless.
Jessica
September 14, 2009
All of us at WFU are grieving with you. May God give you
peace and comfort as you heal.
Pam Goforth
September 14, 2009
Brantley and David:
We are so sorry to hear about Elena's death. We know too well the sadness and shock of losing a child and a sibling in a tragic accident and so our hearts go out to you. Elena was a beautiful young woman and will remain forever beautiful in your hearts and in the hearts of many.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you deal each day with your loss.
Sylvia, Terry and Ginny Oberle
September 14, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Debbie Allison
September 14, 2009
We are shocked and heartsick and send our deepest sympathy as you try to bear this unbearable thing.
Daniel, Mike, and Candide
September 14, 2009
Dear David, Brantly, Bibi and Sam, There are no sufficient words to express how saddened we are by your loss. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
With our deepest sympathy,
Jim and Tammy Webster
Tammy Webster
September 14, 2009
David,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Winston Tower Staff
September 14, 2009
David and Brantly,
My prayers are with you, your family, and friends at this devistating time. In 1995 I worked at LHC with David, my father had just died and I was having a very sad day. One day, Brantly came in with Elena and she saw me crying and came back later and brought me a picture of a flower. I kept it on my wall for a very long time. I wish I still had that flower to give to you right now. I know that God will be there to comfort you. I do believe that your beautiful daughter is now dancing with the angels. Peace be with you.
Loren Burke
September 14, 2009
David and Brantley-I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family on the tragic loss of your beautiful daughter Elena. My prayers are with you. Marian Monsen Bell
September 14, 2009
David,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Sam Fowler
September 14, 2009
Dear Brantley, David, Bibi & Sam:
I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of your family's loss, as was Kaitlin. I remember seeing Elena when she was a tiny girl coming to ballet classes with you to blossoming into a beautiful ballerina, just like her mom. Our love, our prayers and our sympathies are with you.
Godspeed to your family during this difficult time,
Lynne DeVenny (Kaitlin Smith's mom)
September 14, 2009
To the Shapiro family,
Our hearts are breaking for your family and friends. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Cindy Halstead
(mom to 2 of Brantly's students at WFCB)
September 14, 2009
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