In memory of Shanae Brooke Edwards
**UPDATE 09.10.2021**
Since the launch of this fundraising page the Georgian state offered to assist financially with Shanae’s repatriation at every stage back to Australia, helping Shanae’s family a great deal. A clearer picture has also emerged of how these funds will be (and have already been) allocated: the funeral, travel related expenses for family, civil legal procedures, and now — with the perpetrator in custody — criminal legal representation.
The continued support through this page has been incredible. Shanae’s family would once again like to thank each and every one of you who has contributed.
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**UPDATE 20.08.2021**
Shanae’s family are so grateful to everyone who has shown their support by donating. Reaching the initial goal of £8000 in little over 24 hours is just incredible. As the family are still in the process of making arrangements the actual cost is unknown. Therefore this page will be left open for the time being. The family have decided that any excess funds raised will be donated to a cause important to Shanae. Thanks again.
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For our much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend, teacher.
Shanae was an adventurer who loved being amongst nature, a keen hiker, motorcyclist and a genuine kind-hearted soul, an animal lover... She was a happy free spirit.
She moved through life making the kind of deep, sincere connections that most of us reserve only for a select few. She extended generosity, patience, love and kindness to all who crossed her path, to name a few: the homeless she shared cafe leftovers with at her shifts end in Melbourne, the orphan children she taught in Columbia, the Cambodian children she taught English, the Japanese students she tutored, and most recently the pregnant stray cat that ‘adopted Shanae’ and decided to become a mother on her terrace in Georgia.
She is remembered as a person who “brought light and laughter to all around her” and fought for women’s rights and safety. She was working as an English teacher in the city of Tbilisi, Georgia when her life was tragically taken from her on 30th July 2021.
She leaves behind a heartbroken family and countless devastated friends. We all needed more of our special beautiful Shanae. A precious 31 years, 10 months is all we could have.
As we are sure you can imagine, a situation like this is unthinkable to deal with, let alone in the midst of a pandemic. Unable to be together or travel due to border closures and government restrictions, Shanae’s loved ones are having to process this from different corners of the world.
The outpouring of tributes filled with love, kind words and offers of support from around the world have been deeply moving and heartfelt for Shanae’s family.
This page has been set up for anyone who does wish to help. The costs will continue to mount for a family who are going through an unimaginable grief, and while we may not be able to ease it all, hopefully we can assist somewhat with the financial one.
Donations to this page will go towards Shanae’s repatriation to Australia, funeral, legal procedures, travel and logistical necessities of the family — complicated more so by the pandemic.
“Shanae was brave and strong and stood up for people, she stood up for what is right and good and fair. She didn’t do it from behind a keyboard or on the steps of parliament houses, she just did it.”
“The world did not deserve to lose such an amazing woman.”
“Shanae was always up for an adventure, so kindhearted to those around her, full of laughter and a shining light.”
“Shanae [was] one of the most selfless, kind and down-to-earth women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.”
“Shanae was like a pretty butterfly, her craft was to flitter about touching the hearts of those wherever she landed.”
“Shanae was like a rainbow brightening the lives of others with joy and happiness. Her pot was more than gold, it was treasure trove of love, gifts of giving, patience, generosity, a free spirit who brought friends into her world of adventure, fun and laughter.”
Updates will be posted to this page as the process continues. Anything you are able to do is so gratefully received. There is also the option to leave a message on this page if you have any memories you wish to share. However, please be mindful of the family’s request for privacy, and the confidentiality of the ongoing criminal investigation. So while the messages are a great source of comfort to Shanae’s family, please can any identifiable comments around Shanae’s family or friends be omitted.
Sincerely with love and respect.
