Shanee Nadine Laurent ("Shay"), 45, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by love after an extraordinary life that inspired unwavering hope.
To know Shay was to experience kindness in action. She possessed a rare ability to make others feel safe, seen, and valued. Vibrant, compassionate, and endlessly generous, she dedicated her life to lifting others and believed in a world made better by empathy, service, and connection. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, friend, humanitarian, and advocate who believed every act of kindness could make a difference.
Born in Grand Rapids on August 24, 1980, Shay graduated from Northview High School and earned her bachelor's degree in Professional Writing from GVSU. She worked in information technology specializing in project management, software design, and technical writing. Music composition, guitar, and singing were a constant. She also devoted countless hours to service, supporting animal welfare, unhoused neighbors, children's organizations, and other humanitarian causes. Her passion for community inspired her to organize fundraisers, including efforts that raised thousands of dollars for Crash's Landing Cat Rescue.
Cancer became a recurring chapter in Shay's life, but never the full story. She faced thirteen years of metastasis, treatments, and uncertainties with fortitude and resilience, until late 2025, when Shay's cancer progressed to leptomeningeal disease. After a courageous journey, she passed surrounded by the love she had so freely given. Above any prognosis, Shay was a devoted mother whose greatest joy was Kendall. Everything she did was rooted in her love for her daughter and the hope that she would always know how deeply she was loved.
Shay’s grandparents, Roman and Rita Kaminski, and Herman and Betty Yowtz preceded her in death. Shay is survived by her daughter, Kendall Laurent; her parents, Mike and Janis Yowtz; her brother and sister-in-law, Justin and Amie Yowtz; their children, Kaylie, Braydon, and Beckham; her cherished pets, and countless friends whose lives are forever brighter because of her spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 12-4pm at Wabasis Lake Lodge. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Kendall's future honor Shay's hope that her daughter will always be surrounded by opportunity, stability, and unwavering support of community.
Please visit https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/shays-legacy-of-love to RSVP or donate.
