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Erika Shay Obituary
She was born in Lowell, on July 28, 1981, daughter of David M. Shay and Maria Regina (Lorenzato) Shay, she attended Lowell schools and graduated Lowell High School in 1999. In 2003, Shay graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor's degree in international business and communication.
She received her master's degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and had recently been chosen to enter the Ph.D. program at the university. She was an assistant to the chancellor at UNC-Charlotte.
In addition, she also was a bail bondsman in Charlotte, N.C.
She received the Girls Inc. "Girl of the Year Award" and the "Girls Inc." Lowell High School Scholarship. She also was a volunteer for the Greater Lowell Rape Crisis.
Besides her parents, she is survived by three brothers, Julio Lorenzato of Lowell, Lucio Lorenzato of Lowell and Daniel M. Shay of Lowell; two nieces, Adriana Lorenzato and Amayah Shay; two nephews, Eric Lorenzato and Christian Lorenzato; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
As a result of her longtime request to help others, upon her death, Erika's organs were donated so that others may live.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erika Shay
Sponsored by Maria Regina Shay"Mother".
Mom
December 29, 2022
To my beloved daughter that will forever live in my heart. I miss you so much Erika, life without you was never the same my love. Eternal love forever.
Maria Shay
March 23, 2022
You will be forever in my heart. Love you my beautiful daughter.
Ray Robarge
August 28, 2016
Hey Erika, just wanted to come by to say hi. I didnt get to see you for a long time cuz we went on our own lifes paths. We were good neighborhood friends that had alot of fun times. U came to my thoughts today so wanted to say hi. Miss You. Fly High.
Maria Regina Shay
June 14, 2016
To my beloved daughter that Will forever live in my heart!
June 25, 2015
Still thinking of you friend...
MOM
May 6, 2012
LOVE YOU FOREVER!!
kathy harris
September 17, 2008
still in my thoughts ,, may you be in peace , watching over all who loved you god bless cousin kathy h
l young
June 5, 2008
E, I wish you were here. Tonight the NBA Finals kick off. Boston vs Lakers. Bananas!!! I know. You had the biggest crush on Paul Pierce. And he's still so cute. You choose the place Fox and the Hound, Jillians, The Graduate. LX3 is in the building!!! Just like old times. Such is life.... Well I am rooting for B-town and repping hard for you. The Celtics just don't know they have a guardian angel on their side. love you!!!
kathy h
April 8, 2008
your memory carries on , sweet girl , rest in peace , kathy
D S
April 6, 2008
Miss u...
MOM
November 29, 2007
Hi minha Erikita. I miss you, and can you believe that? I almost called you today. Sometimes I think you are at school still. I want to asked you what you think about me going back to school and get my PHD. I know you will let me know some how, as always. Love ya baby, Mom.
kathy harris
November 27, 2007
my heart is with you , this holiday season, erica is sadly missed by all , lol kathy harris, rest in peace sweet girl
kathy harris
September 17, 2007
i keep you all in my prayers , may you have found peace in your hearts , so sorry cousin kathy
Darlene
September 10, 2007
I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and nana at this very moment and miss you so much.
Ashleigh Bing
July 28, 2007
Matthew 26:13
I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
To a loving sister and my loyal friend you will always stay in my heart forever, although I miss you words can't explain. I love you and will never forget the times we spent together: Happy 26th Birthday-"Erykah"!!!!
Beth Pinard
April 1, 2007
Dear Shay Family, I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. I only heard yesterday what had happened. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With Love, Beth
Darlene
February 24, 2007
Well it is 2 months to the day. Thinking of you and nana looking down on us. Hoping you are the angels we need down here.
February 22, 2007
2 months later and im actually still having a hard time believing this happened... Im still waiting for someone to tell me this was a joke.
Lea Ally
February 12, 2007
Dear Shay Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. I went to middle school with Erika at the Arts Magnet, and was always at your home on the weekends.I had alot of fun with her and I wish we could have kept in touch.My heart goes out to your family.
DARLENE SIMON
January 21, 2007
Just wanted you to know we had a year anniversary mass for nana this morning. Your father, Uncle Ricky, Aunty Kathy, cousin Billy and myself all were there.Tomorrow will be one year for nana and one month since you left us. Hope you are watching us and know that we all miss you and love you very much. Hold on tight to each other.
Cousin Darlene.
Maria Regina Shay (Erika's mother)
January 17, 2007
To everyone who left me a messge, I want you all to know that it has been a great source of comfort to me. I am happy to know that Erika was loved by so many people. In a way it makes me proud to see that while she was alive she was a good person and that I was part responsible for that. Erika will live forever in my heart, and I hope that her memory will be with you as well.
Renee
January 16, 2007
I'm sorry to hear about your loss, I'll keep you in my thoughts Danny... if u needs anything my phone is always on.
Gail Keene
January 11, 2007
To the Family of Erika Shay: I was stunned and saddened to hear that Erika has passed away. I am very sorry for your loss and she will be missed at UNC Charlotte by many. Erika and I shared the plight of a stray kitten one rainy day on campus and became friends.
Christina Junus
January 9, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Shay,
I am very sorry for your loss. I had the chance to work with Erika for a while at the Chancellor's office and we had several classes together. We all miss her at school.
Eliana lorenzato
January 9, 2007
Erika, agora que vc cumpriu seu destino e esta bem acima do bem e do mal,longe desse insensato mundo, descanse em paz ao lado de todos que vc amou e q/ te amaram tbm.Um dia estaremos todos juntos...
MARIANGELA OLIVEIRA
January 8, 2007
REGINA ,DIVIDO COM VOCE SUA DOR NESTE MOMENTO TRISTE.FIAQUE COM DEUS.UM BEIJINHO CARINHOSO MARIANGELA.
Vera Godley
January 7, 2007
I am deeply saddened to learn of your loss of Erika. You have my deepest sympathy and condolences. May your memories of her lively spirit and commitment to others sustain you in the coming months.
Sincerely
Juliana Lorenzato
January 6, 2007
Érica, as lembranças que tenho de você são as melhores, da época que éramos pequenas, na casa da Vovó. Você cresceu, a distância nos separou, mas guardo na lembrança os melhores momentos daquela época. Vá em paz!! Seu jeito, seu rosto, seu físico que lembra os Lorenzato vai ficar marcado pra sempre em nossa família.
Crystal Sakowich
January 3, 2007
Danny Shay and family,
I'm sorry for your loss. If theres ever anything you need dont hesitate to call.
Gretchin Fox
January 3, 2007
Ms. Shay and family,
I use to work with Erika in the Chancellor's office for many years. She was always so nice, always smiling and willing to lend a hand. We are sad to have lost a member of "our family" in the Chancellor's Office. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love, Gretchin
Dixie Airey
January 2, 2007
To the Shay family,
I had the priviledge of getting to know Erika when she worked as student worker in the Office of Public Relations at UNC Charlotte. She was such a bright and beautiful person! It was a pleasure, over the years, watching her grow and mature into the lovely young woman she had become.
I am so sad for your loss...she will be missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Kurt Culbert
January 2, 2007
Erika was a pleasant classmate at UNCC. Shocked and saddened by the loss and pass along my condolences to the entire family.
Lula Elata Hart
January 2, 2007
I am very saddened for your loss. I work FT at the university and always bumped into Erica on the elevator or on campus. She was such a bright and beautiful person.
God be with you all!!!!
Beatriz Souza Lorenzato
December 31, 2006
Querida Erika ... estou aqui me lembrando que vc dizia " Meu barriga doi " após comer uma travessa de coxinhas e empadinhas que a vovó fazia. Hj quem diz sou eu " Meu coração doi ". Que vc encontre a paz ao lado de Deus .
Tia Beatriz
Maria Regina Shay
December 31, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
December 31, 2006
It is so sorry to hear of the lost of such a young life. May God be with you during this time.-Pslams 119:50,52
Rebecca Harris
December 30, 2006
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Stay strong. -Gone, never forgotten-
kathy harris
December 29, 2006
sorry i was unable to join you today at the loi_kai , my heart goes out to you all . i'll pray for you , peace be with you cousin kathy
(Cousin and her family) Jennifer, Marvin, Sophia and Ava Grace Delossantos
December 29, 2006
A young life, taken too soon, at it's prime. The world will never know her full potential. You will truly be missed and always remembered. Our condolence to your family.
Affifi Mulkigian
December 29, 2006
Erika's Mom has been my best friend even before Erika was born. Erika received the best of care throughout her short life. She will be missed with great intensity by all of us.
December 29, 2006
December 29, 2006
Jess
December 29, 2006
Dear Shay Family,
I am writing to show my deepest sympathy. I did not know erika that well but i know that she would have been the best aunt to amayah. I am truly deeply sorry for your loss. She will always be remembered.
Jess
Carmen Dellinger
December 29, 2006
I worked with Erika in the Chancellor's office at UNCC while I was in school. She was so full of life and never let that smile come off of her face. She encouraged all of us girls in the office to strive to our greatest potential and just be happy. It's sad that such a beautiful person had to leave us all so soon. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and all the lives that she touched.
Blanca Rodriguez
December 29, 2006
Dear Mr.Shay and Danny,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I want to pay my respects to you and your entire family. I didn't know Erika but I know she would have been a great aunt to Amayah if she had the chance to know her. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Love, Blanca
JENSEN PEREZ
December 29, 2006
AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. ERIKA WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON I WILL ALWAY'S REMEMBER THE GOOD TIME'S GIRL.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH GOD!
jensen perez
December 29, 2006
very very sad to hear this. My wishes go out to the shay's erika will allway's be rememberd in my heart.
linda alvarado_harris
December 28, 2006
dear david and family , i just heard the tragic news about your beatiful daughter erika, i am totally sorry for such a great loss my thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours . sorry i could not be there to pay my respects in person, god bless you all .at this sad time .love cousin linda
Darlene Simon
December 28, 2006
I just left the funeral home where you are laid to rest for your family and friends to say goodbye. There were lots of beautiful pictures of you throughout your short stay here with us. Those memories will be forever in our hearts. One person, who affected so many lives in so many different ways. Cousin Darlene.
Jeannie Judge
December 28, 2006
Dear Maria Regina,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Jeannie Judge
kathy harris
December 28, 2006
dear david regina,and dan my heart goes out to you all at this sad time , she was a beautiful girl , a daughter you could be proud of, she will be met by many love ones, god speed sadly missed , cousin kathy harris
Matt Ladzinski
December 28, 2006
As many people have mentioned, I also took several classes with Erika in the MBA program. She was an amazing person with a bright personality. My deepest sympathies to your family.
She who has gone, so we but cherish her memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living woman. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Lesley Locklear & Family
December 28, 2006
I am so very sorry for your loss. No words can express just how much I hurt for your family. I had several classes with Erika and I’m fortunate to have had a chance to get to know her. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and was always willing to help those in need. She was a great friend and will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with you.
Andrea Marlow
December 28, 2006
I, too, was in class with Erika. Like everyone else, I found her to be a bright, engaging, and kind person.
I am so sorry for your loss. She will definitely be missed.
Shaura Workman
December 28, 2006
I knew Erika through bail bonding she was a GREAT person. She will be missed.
Joanne Spicer
December 28, 2006
To Regina and family, Fred and I worked with you at DES in Lowell when you were pregnant with Erika. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.You are in our prayers.
Margie Colon
December 28, 2006
My prayers are with you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Namita Biggins
December 28, 2006
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I had a few classes with Erika in the MBA Program and got to know her a little bit. She was a fun person, and certainly stepped up to do more than her share in group projects. I am shocked to hear this sad news.
Amy Ohara
December 28, 2006
I was also in MBA class with Erika, she was very bright and a lot of fun to be around. I am very sorry for your loss.
Dr. James Giermanski
December 28, 2006
My profound condolences to Erika's family. Although her professor, I am saddened personally at this loss. She was a great student and a great person. I'm sorry.
Nichole Rowland
December 28, 2006
My deepest sympathies go to your family for the loss of such a wonderful person.
Erika and I shared five MBA classes and multiple MBA projects in the last two years. I considered her a friend. She was very funny and bright. When I had a job interview she gave me tips about delivery; she said that she wanted to see me succeed. It takes a special person to make an effort to help a classmate prepare for a job interview without even being asked.
Erika - You will always be remembered by those whose life you touched in your brief time among us. You brightened our lives and made us smile.
Doug Sutherland
December 28, 2006
I sat beside Erika in our MBA class this past fall, and found her to be a very bright, helpful, and engaging young lady. I was stunned and saddened to see this news this morning, and join in extending my deepest sympathies to the family. You will be in my prayers.
December 27, 2006
Goodbye for now. I'll see u again someday.
jen lynde
December 27, 2006
I am sorry for your loss
Lee Fox
December 27, 2006
Danny & family; We are sorry for your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lee & Kelly Fox
December 27, 2006
To Regina & Family, Our hearts go out to you . having to deal with the loss of a child is something no parent sure have to deal with. Our prays and love is with you all. The Auger's , Colon , and Harris Family
CRISTINA BERNARD
December 27, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
CRISTINA BERNARD
December 27, 2006
TO REGINA & FAMILY.PLEASE ACCEPT MY SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER ERIKA,LOVE !!! CRISTINA,MICHAEL AND ERIC BERNARD
Marisol Rodriguez
December 27, 2006
I will always remember the fun times my friends and I had with you. You will forever be in our hearts. May you rest in peace with God.
DARLENE SIMON
December 27, 2006
An intelligent women who left your family too young and too soon on this earth, but may you have eternal peace in Heaven with Nana and Grandpa. Cousin Darlene.
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