In Loving Memory of Shay Burleigh

In Loving Memory of Shay Burleigh

It is with the heaviest of hearts that family and friends share the unexpected passing of Shay Burleigh of Portsmouth. Her loss has created an unimaginable void in the lives of those who loved her most — a silence where her laughter once lived, a space that can never truly be filled.

Shay’s passing was sudden, the result of clots found in her heart and lungs. The shock of losing her so unexpectedly has been overwhelming. There were no goodbyes, no time to prepare — only the heartbreaking realization that someone so vibrant, so alive, could be gone in an instant. Yet even in the midst of profound sorrow, those closest to her know one thing with certainty: Shay would want to be remembered for the extraordinary light she brought into the world.

For the past six years, Shay was the greatest gift in the life of the one who loved her most — a devoted partner, a trusted confidant, and a constant source of joy. Their love was deep, steady, and full of adventure. Together they built a life marked by shared dreams, spontaneous laughter, late-night conversations, and the kind of connection that feels both grounding and limitless. In her partner’s eyes, she was not just loved — she was home.

Shay cherished her friendships with a rare and beautiful sincerity. She spoke often of the people she loved, carrying their stories and milestones close to her heart. She celebrated others without envy, supported them without hesitation, and showed up without condition. The outpouring of grief and support from friends near and far stands as a testament to the countless lives she touched with her authenticity and warmth. She made people feel seen. She made them feel valued. She made them feel alive.

To her twin, Shay was more than a sister — she was a mirror soul, a lifelong best friend, “my moon.” From the very beginning, their bond was unbreakable. They shared not only birthdays and milestones, but an understanding that ran deeper than words. They moved through life as reflections of one another — sometimes opposite, often synchronized, always connected. Losing Shay is not just losing a sibling; it is losing a part of oneself. Yet even now, in the midst of unimaginable grief, her twin holds tightly to the inspiration Shay embodied — determined to live boldly, to love fiercely, and to honor her sister’s spirit with every step forward.

Shay had a fearless desire to live fully and unapologetically. She encouraged those around her to chase experiences, to take risks, to laugh loudly, and to embrace life without shrinking themselves. She had a way of drawing people out of their shells, reminding them that life is too precious to live halfway. Her presence was magnetic — vibrant, genuine, and unfiltered. She didn’t just exist in a room; she illuminated it.

Though her life was tragically cut short, the impact she made is immeasurable. Shay leaves behind a legacy of courage, connection, and joy. She leaves behind memories of sunlit adventures, heartfelt conversations, spontaneous road trips, inside jokes, and quiet moments that meant everything. She leaves behind love — the kind that does not fade, even in death.

In honoring Shay, those who loved her vow to carry forward the lessons she taught simply by being herself: to live authentically, to cherish friendships deeply, to speak love openly, and to pursue joy without apology. Her story does not end with her passing; it continues in every person she inspired.

Portsmouth mourns the loss of a beautiful soul, but heaven has gained a radiant light. May Shay Burleigh be remembered not for the way she left this world, but for the extraordinary way she lived in it — fiercely, lovingly, and unapologetically bright.

Rest peacefully, Shay. You are loved beyond measure. You are missed beyond words. And your light will shine on in every heart you touched.