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SHANA DOWDESWELL Obituary

DOWDESWELL--Shana. Shana Elizabeth Dowdeswell (died December 12, 2012) was born on April 1, 1989 in Harare, Zimbabwe. She then moved to New York City where she attended City and Country School, PS 3, and finally PPAS High School. She also began a career as an actress, beginning at age eight. Over the years, she accumulated many credits, including playing Anne Frank at the Papermill Playhouse and working in films and on television. But more than that, she accumulated hundreds of friends and extended family members who loved her as deeply as she loved them. Shana was a bright spirit, a shining, generous, hopeful girl. She traveled the world, returning to Africa, traveling many times to Paris and London where she had beloved family members. Most recently she traveled to Canada with her boyfriend Cameron Moneo. She leaves us with a legacy of compassion and caring for all people, particularly in the performing arts community. Shana is survived by her parents, Laurie and Roger, her brother Jesse, her grandparents Willard and Jane Smith, her godmother Karen Wimmer and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins and dear friends who might as well be family. We miss her profoundly, and will continue to all of our days. Rest in Peace dear lovely Shana.

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 17, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Cyndi

December 12, 2024

Your sweet smile always in our hearts Shana. Xo Cyn

Laurie Smith

December 11, 2024

miss you more every day, xoxo mom

Seth Michael May

May 1, 2024

Your Mom and Dad came to my Birthday celebration with Charlie H at his home in Brooklyn.

You are missed my fellow Aries.

Mom and I compared our S tattoos...

I remember working on your Anne Frank audition and the time we listened to Abraham, Martin, and John to prep for you last audition and crying.

You were and always will be Standout Shana.

Seth Michael May

Taylor Schilling

April 30, 2024

I remember meeting you on set for the very first time in 2009. We had a few drinks after shooting. We talked about work, life, love, boys, and our future goals. You made me laugh so hard with your puppy cats story. May you rest in eternal peace. You didn't deserve this end. I wish I could have been there to save you.

Seth

December 19, 2023

I think of you everyday Standout. Everyone gets a nickname bc of you...

But only you will ever be "Standout" from 4 years old... you were my friend.

Your coach, friend, and student,

Seth Michael

laurie

December 11, 2023

your mommy loves and misses you every second of every day

Marjorie Ocho Kouns

December 11, 2023

Holding a peaceful remembrance of how your Lighthouse of Love for Life resounds in my heart to this day. Om.

Laurel Kallen

December 12, 2022

My memories of Shana are still vivid and uplifting. I add my voice to the chorus of all who loved and will always miss Shana and her special vibrancy - above all, to the voices of Laurie, Roger and Jesse.

With love,

Laurel

Cyndi Coyne (&Theo)

December 11, 2022

Always with us and still we miss you little angel. xoxo Cyndi

Seth

December 11, 2022

It´s been 10 years. I miss your laugh. Your talent. Your ability to breakdown a script with me for an audition in a taxi

Mom

December 11, 2022

Loving and missing you today and everyday

Mimi Stuart

October 2, 2022

It is just inconceivable to me that such a tragedy could happen to someone I knew! Someone so full of love and life. Her love shared to her students and all little kids that she was with. Her spot on Acting jobs moved so many hundres/thousands of people. We miss you so much Shana! I imagine what your career and life might look like. I imagine seeing you often! I pray there is a peace for you!!!!!!!
I love you Laurie and Roger so much! You are the greatest parents! She had the best! Thank God you have Jesse to love!

C

September 30, 2022

Hey Shana,
Hope you're doing alright up there. I was packing my stuff and saw our hs yearbook and just started thinking about the embarrassing teen years. Thought of you, Alex, Johnny etc. Even Trevor popped up and his passing as well. Its hard to believed that you passed so young. I will always regret not visiting you at the hospital. always found an excuse, that we didn't chat much after hs or even during hs. that you'd be fine regardless of who is visiting. lots of regret for a person in their 30s. Can't believe I lived this long tbh considering my mentality in hs.

Anyways, will always keep you in my thoughts. Family too.

Marjorie 'Ocho' Kouns

December 14, 2021

I am compelled to share the light and warmth of Shana's spirit that I've treasured in the all too brief time I've known her as my neighbor on Minetta! Peace be with your extended family and friends on this anniversary of Life. ++

Laurel Kallen

December 13, 2021

Miss having Shana hang out and laugh with Maia and Chloe. Our sweet memories of her help light our way.

Laurie Smith

December 11, 2021

today and all days we love and miss you. Still unbelievable that you are gone--saddest thing ever.

Laurel Kallen

December 13, 2020

We will always miss Shana and remember fondly her warmth and exuberance. Holding Laurie, Roger and Jesse in our hearts.

Marjorie ‘Ocho’ Kouns

December 13, 2020

On this sacred anniversary, Remembering Shana’s ever shining light and big love for so many of us. Peace.

Laurie Smith

December 12, 2020

I love you and think about you every day and pray that somehow we can be together again. Missing you, as always and keeping you front and center in my life.

January 7, 2020

Very moved by your wonderful performances... The light that burns the brightest often burns out to soon, but we will always hold you in our hearts.

Laurel Kallen

December 21, 2019

We continue to hold close our fond and loving memories of this dear girl. Shana, we miss you. Laurie, Roger, and Jesse, we send you loving thoughts.

December 11, 2019

Thinking of you and your family today.

Laurie Smith

December 11, 2019

love to my sweet Shana...you're with us every day...xoxo mom

May 28, 2019

Thinking of you and your family today.

January 13, 2018

sending love today and always....mom

January 12, 2018

We think of you often -- you are in so many of our photos and videos -- and so deeply and beautifully present in our minds and hearts.

AJ

January 11, 2018

Still loving you

Harare MuZimbabwe

September 18, 2017

Zorora Murugare. Rest In Peace Shana

laurie smith

March 16, 2015

love to Shana from mom today and every day. xoxoxoxo

March 15, 2015

Had Shana on my mind today. God bless her family

Chelsea Wischerth

June 24, 2014

always <3

April 1, 2014

Thinking of Shana today on her birthday and my heart is heavy for her family.
Love and God Bless

Laurel Kallen

April 27, 2013

I think of Shana every day. So many memories, from family daycare at Carol's to the "potions" that she and Maia concocted as pre-schoolers to I Never Saw Another Butterfly to Shana's Eva Hesse performance (and so many others) to our camping trips upstate, to Chloe's graduation party, to Laurie's 60th. I think of this beautiful girl whenever I look at my own beautiful Maia and Chloe. Shana will always be a part of all of us . . . and we will miss her forever.

Barty Rubin

April 26, 2013

I was a hugh fan of Shana's. She will be missed.

Shana being dramatic in Denver with beloved Mimi and Ben

February 23, 2013

Shana and Lindsay Rose

February 23, 2013

Shana and BFF Alexis!

February 23, 2013

Shana...always so good with kids!

February 23, 2013

Laurie Smith

February 23, 2013

love from Mom

Shana and boyfriend Cameron Moneo and his nephew

February 23, 2013

Shana and dear friend Brooke

February 23, 2013

Michele Epstein

February 10, 2013

When Alex and I were decorating our tree in December, and we got to a beautiful crystal star, I suggested naming it Shana's Star, and he agreed. So from now on, every Christmas, it will grace our tree, and our thoughts will be drawn to Shana, once again. Michele Epstein
PS Please post some more photos of Sweet Shana and let us know if/when there will be a memorial service.
PPS Thank you to James Wimmer.

February 9, 2013

Our hearts are so heavy for you, darling Laurie and Roger... It is simply the most unthinkable, ghastly tragedy. (Dec. 12th also happens to be our girl's birthday, so hits us hard as parents too, as well as being your old "pals".) Shana was obviously such a bright spirit and a hugely talented performer. We're sorry we weren't in Boulder/Denver when she was here! How lucky Colorado was to have her briefly, as are all the performing arts.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers will remain with you, and with Shana, always. May you find peace somehow, and may her journeys be happy and peaceful. All our love -- Francesca & Peter

Ian Gould

February 6, 2013

I'm just getting the dreadful news of Shana now; I am so very sorry. I worked with her on "The Devil's Disciple" at the Metropolitan Playhouse in 2004; she was clearly very talented, loved what she did and was unerringly professional even at that young age. Such a loss.

Marjorie Kouns

February 4, 2013

Will always hold memories of your unending energy shown in the sparkle of your eyes when we'd chat on your front stoop. Love and Light.

Kristin Chase

January 4, 2013

Shana, May your bright light keep shining in the hearts of all who knew & loved you.

Jack Critchfield

January 3, 2013

We had a single opportunity to see Shana perform in Boulder, Colorado. Such a wonderful memory, from her mother, a friend of a lifetime

Mimi Stuart

December 30, 2012

When my father past away I asked my mom what she believed. She said that she believed he lives on in the people he touched, taught, moved, shared life with. You will undoubtedly find your way through this time, but know that Shana lives on in such happiness in the craft, artistry, and joy in the world of acting, joy in life, warmth, care, fun and so much more that she continues to teach us from her short life on earth with us. You were great parents to Shana. That's why she was able to leave us with so much!! You will continue to be great parents to Jesse. Thank you Shana for so many tremendous gifts!!!

December 28, 2012

God bless Shana and her family and friends at this time

Laurie Dowdeswell

December 27, 2012

love from mom always....

December 27, 2012

Our deepest condolences for your loss of your beautiful and gifted Shana. Through your grief, please know you are in our thoughts with great love. Shana will always remain in our memory, her bright and shining spirit, forever.

December 26, 2012

I am sorry for yor loss. May you find comfort in our Heavenly Father. (1Cor 1:3)

December 26, 2012

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Shana Dowdeswell. During times of grief please allow God to comfort your family for he truely understands what you are going though

James WIMMER

December 25, 2012

I only met Shana once when my Aunt Karen Wimmer (Shanas Godmother) took us to see a Broadway play. Perhaps that was the start of her inspiration to become an actress. All I know is that the depth of pain my Aunt is dealing with now, directly reflects the beauty, talent, and love that this young lady gave the world during her brief time in it. God bless all of Shanas family and friends during this very difficult time. Prayers and thoughts are with you.

Marty Casella

December 22, 2012

One of the best things about my time in NYC was having Shana and her family as my next door neighbors. Her kindness, wit and goodness were treasures. The last time I saw her, we hugged each other and I told her I would see her in the spring. Rest gently, my dear, brilliant friend. Our hearts are broken but we will all see you in the spring. My love and deepest condolences to Laurie, Roger and Jesse.

Marty Casella

December 22, 2012

One of the best things about my time in NYC was having Shana and her family as my next door neighbors. Her kindness, wit and goodness were treasures. The last time I saw her, we hugged each other and I told her I would see her in the spring. Rest gently, my dear, brilliant friend. Our hearts are broken but we will all see you in the spring. My love and deepest condolences to Laurie, Roger and Jesse.

Mayank Saxena

December 21, 2012

Shana, it was a pleasure seeing you work in acting class at The Barrow Group. And I'm glad we got to see each other one last time 2 weeks back, and am even more glad I got to hug you. Still doesn't make sense... Hope you're continuing your vibrant goals on the other side...

Chelsea Wischerth

December 20, 2012

I don't have enough words to say besides I have always loved you and will always love you.

Linda BEELER

December 19, 2012

My two sons went to PS 3 with Shana. They were in " I Never Saw Another Butterfly" with her! Shana was a shining light with much talent. Our family is heartbroken about her loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.!
Much love,
Linda, Harold, Jonathan, and Brandon Beeler

Rich and Charlene Schwarzkopf

December 19, 2012

We are saddened to hear about Shana's passing and send our deepest condolences to her family. She was our upstairs neighbor at 14 Minetta and we recall her as a joyful, talented and kind girl.

Michele Epstein

December 18, 2012

Sweet Shana,I didn't get the chance to know you well, but will never forget you. You brought lightness and brightness and loveliness into our home.

Laurel Kallen

December 18, 2012

One, among many, precious memories:

Camping Trip -- 2001

We toast marshmallows, read Poe. The girls' eyes
pull stars into the night. Their giggles soar over
the cricket concert and, for some moments, Michael and I
escape the silence
of adulthood. At midnight, when downpours wake
us, their screams syncopate the
r
a
i
n.

Maxine Prescott

December 18, 2012

Dear Laurie..Shana will continue to live on earth in the acts of goodness she performed and in the hearts of all who cherished her memory.

December 18, 2012

Dear Shana, Laurie, Roger and Jesse,
I had the great privilege of knowing Shana and your wonderful family over the years. Her sudden loss has struck as a deep arrow in so many hearts. Who can understand it? It is with great love that I stand beside all of you in this time of pain. Ultimately, the best way to memorialize and honor Shana is to live a life worthy of her, of the influence she's had upon all. To allow the gift of her presence to continue, in this way, to reach out to all.
Blessings,
Brenda Shoshanna

Adrienne Williams

December 18, 2012

Dear Shana, I will never forget your sweet smile. RIP

Leslie Rentschler

December 18, 2012

Beautiful Shana. Her light lives on in cherished memories. She left her mark on this world and on the hearts of so many. May all who loved her be blessed with the grace of healing after her tragic loss. Love you Laurie, Roger and Jesse.

Anslem Richardson

December 17, 2012

RIP, Shana. You made a mark and we are all better for it.

Glenda DeAbreu

December 17, 2012

I was blessed to know Shana for the past few years and from the moment we met I felt and sensed her light and gift. I felt as if I knew her my whole life and I knew she would be in my life forever! She was a bright, talented, beautiful girl who lit up a room when she entered. I am thankful for the moments we shared which I now call memories.

December 17, 2012

We love you Shana!! You will always be with us! from the Strutin family

Alexander Rascovar

December 17, 2012

She was beautiful in many ways.

Meryl Rosner

December 17, 2012

I am happy to have seen Shana perform and Laurie cry to see her onstage doing her thing. She was given all opportunities and took them, graciously. Her accomplishments show it. Rest in peace, Shana.

December 17, 2012

Shana was a beautiful young woman and a very bright talent. We will always remember her.
Joan and Clifford Forster
New York, NY

Trisha Milner

December 17, 2012

With loving and soulful thoughts of you, Shana, on you new journey. May God have you wrapped gently in his arms.

Carla Borderies

December 17, 2012

She will always be remembered as the talented, beautiful, interesting, and caring person she was. She didn't deserve to die so young, but her memory will live on through the people who love her.

k. poe

December 17, 2012

Rest in peace beautiful, smart, kind girl... what a loss for us all that you are no longer here.

December 17, 2012

Our thoughts are with you. We remember Shana at Metropolitan Playhouse in the mid-1990s. Margo Hammond and Frank Hankey

Sweet Shana

December 17, 2012

The sweetest and brightest of stars, Shana you live in all our hearts now. With so much love and sadness,
Cyndi

MIchael Morenko

December 17, 2012

Rest in peace, lovely Shana.

Carolyn Romberg

December 17, 2012

We will miss her. She was a shining light.

David S. Block

December 17, 2012

I will remember always Shana's limitless love for life and those in her life. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to her family and a special group of wonderful people who loved her so.

Caroline Lesley

December 17, 2012

Much love. Shana was a beautiful & talented young woman. Gone too soon. xo Caroline & Family

Stephen Hanks

December 17, 2012

I only met Shana one time and it was only briefly just weeks before her tragic passing. But it was long enough to sense that she was a vibrant spirit with immense talent and potential. Love to her family and friends.

The Kayne Family

December 17, 2012

Sending our heartfelt condolences to Laurie and her family. May the love of community carry you through.

December 17, 2012

It was always a pleasure to coach her.

Seth Michael May, Actingonimpulse.org

Christopher Barnett

December 17, 2012

My deepest condolences on the sudden and tragic loss of your daughter and sister. There is no way to understand or describe the pain of losing a child. I am so verry sorry that you must suffer it.

Charlotte Patton

December 17, 2012

I've known beautiful, sweet Shana since she was one month old and have watched her grow into the beautiful, talented, light-filled young woman she became. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. She was so loved by so many. I will miss her more than words can express.

December 17, 2012

Much, much love from The Barrow Group. Shana was a light in our community that will continue to shine.

Sylvie Morel

December 17, 2012

We did not know Shaina but heard so much about her through Karen, who clearly loved her very much. Our deepest sympathy to her family and to my dearest Karen.

The Schaltenbrand Family

December 17, 2012

So sad to hear of Shana's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the family.

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