With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Shailee, whose life was filled with love, laughter, strength, and joy. Shailee touched countless lives through her infectious smile, sense of humor, and the deep connections she shared with family and friends.

Shailee was a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School and a founding member of Dancing Beyond Limits and The Penguin Project. She had a tremendous love for dancing and musical theater, where her spirit and joy shined brightly. More than anything, Shailee cherished time spent with her family — laughing, singing, and keeping everyone competing for the coveted title of being her "favorite."

She is lovingly survived by her parents, Nicole and Patrick; her brothers, Christopher (Chelsea), Alex, and Aiden; and her beloved niece, Maeve. She is also survived by Grandpa Bill Bennett; Grammy Kathleen Swolensky; aunts and uncles Mary Ann Rayment Bennett, Dan (Karla) Bennett, Colleen (Mike) Danahay, Kerry (Randy) Miller, Kathy (Blake) Collingsworth, Brian Bennett, Kristina Little, Sheila Kattner, Monica (Paul) Kattner, and Danielle (Bryan) Letcavage; along with many loving cousins including Sarah Bennett, Michael (Jill) Danahay, Katie (Shawn) Lauby, Ryan (Amanda) Lassley, Brenna (Morgan) Bergan, Kayla (Daniel) Pfingsten, Allison (Jed) Derr, Connor Collingsworth, Kit Bennett, Emma Kattner, Madison Kattner, Jacob Kattner, Vanessa Kokinda, and Luke Letcavage. She was preceded in death by Grandma Marilyn Bennett; Pop-Pop Joseph Swolensky; Uncle Mike Bennett; and cousin, Joshua Collingsworth.

Shailee's courage, resilience, and joyful spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her love and light will continue to live on in the hearts of those blessed to know her.

Rosary and funeral mass will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 9:30am Rosary, 10:00am Service with Reception to follow. Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm at Yankee Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Josh the Otter www.joshtheotter.org, the Grace Space Benevolent Fund, www.thegracespace.com, and Dancing Beyond Limits www.dancingbeyondlimits.org