Shane Michael Whittaker

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shane Michael Whittaker who passed away on December 13, 2024, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was born on August 29, 2000 to Shane Ballou and Rosalba Morel, and grew up surrounded by a close-knit family that shaped his kind and caring spirit. 

He went to Leland and Gray Union High School, and later got his GED. He was known for his passionate involvement in sports, his work with the community, and his love for learning and helping others.

Throughout his youth, Shane played many sports throughout elementary school and was a captain on The Burr and Burton Varsity football team through middle school and high school and basketball all throughout high school, where he earned the respect and admiration of coaches and teammates alike. He was also a dedicated member of Unified Basketball, where he assisted and supported athletes with disabilities, embodying his love for inclusion and teamwork. As a proud member of CODA, he worked hard to bridge communication gaps, and his future aspirations led him to pursue a career as an Residential counselor at The American School for the Deaf, with future plans to become an interpreter.

Outside of his academic and athletic endeavors, he had a deep appreciation for hands-on work. His love for carpentry, woodworking, tiling and many other trades reflected his natural talent and determination. His creativity extended to other areas of life, as he was also passionate about cooking, snowboarding, and making music.

Shane was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing, bonfires, and traveling. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. His boundless energy, generosity, and caring nature will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Shane Ballou and Rosalba Morel; his sisters Melissa Cullen-Carter, Shalba Erin Morel, and Ophelia Ballou; his brothers Shamus Whittaker and Odhran Ballou; as well as his grandparents Angela and Fritch Labaty, Deborah Gallagher, and Harold Ballou. Shane is also survived by his beloved nieces, Destiny Cullen and Lainey Jane Aither. 

He was predeceased by his cousin, Chad Gallagher.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 19th, from 12 to 4 pm at Newbrook Fire Station, 98 VT-30, Newfane, VT 05345, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember Shane’s life, his passion, and his enduring spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shane’s memory to a charity that supports the Deaf community or youth sports programs, as these were causes close to his heart.