With profound love and deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Lashana Marie "Shana" Long, who departed this life on July 11, 2026.

Shana was born on June 11, 1973, in Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of Inez "Kelly" Long and Robert "Bobby" Long's three children. She grew up in Dorchester, and from her earliest years, she lit up every room she entered. Her vibrant spirit and infectious laugh drew people to her, and she had a gift for making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and loved-through a quick joke, a warm smile, or simply the kindness in her heart.

That spirit came to life when Shana danced. She took after her older sister (Robin "Suebecky"), and began dancing at just six years old. After following her sister to rehearsals, Suebecky and the other members of the "Mass Production" dance team decided to see what Shana could do. She was so good, she earned her place on the dance team, performing with the team at venues across Boston, including Hi Hat, The Carousel, Strand Theater, and The Point.

Shana's energy and joy filled each performance, and she regularly stole the spotlight from older and more experienced dancers. She closed every routine the same way - dropping into a split that brought the crowd to its feet. Shana was such a force on the dance floor that rival teams would jokingly say they would have won the competition if it hadn't been for her. The confidence, joy, and sparkle she found in those early performances stayed with her for the rest of her life.

Shana carried that same creativity into fashion. She loved assembling the perfect outfit and turning a lucky find into a head-turning look, hunting the racks at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Foot Locker for her next favorite piece. Suebecky admired her taste so much that she often "shopped" straight from Shana's closet.

To know Shana was to know her staples - the small treats that never failed to put a smile on her face. She loved a quick run to Ramon and Jenny's store, Navarrette Grocery, for a Pepsi or Coca-Cola and a bag of Lay's, and a stop at any corner store to press her luck on a lottery ticket. Win or lose, it was the thrill and the hope of every ticket that she loved.

Shana attended English High School, where she excelled in her studies and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She found joy in music, in long walks, shopping, and in time spent outdoors. Through every season of her life, she met hardship with remarkable resilience, and those who knew her will always remember her strength, her compassion, and the kindness she offered others even in her own difficult moments.

Above all, Shana loved her children. She often called them her reason, and her devotion to Shakye and Jaylen never wavered. She worked hard to give them everything they needed and to open every door she could, wanting them to feel supported, prepared, and confident as they found their own paths. She was their biggest supporter, their listening ear, and their steady source of encouragement. The bond she shared with them was the greatest joy of her life, and her deepest hope was that they would always know how completely they were loved-and carry that love with them as strength and protection as they explored their passions, chased new adventures, pursued fulfilling careers, and started their own families.

Shana was preceded in death by her father, Robert "Bobby" Long, and her longtime partner, Elvis Pizarro. We find comfort in believing they have been reunited in eternal peace.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Shakye "Jones" Fuller, and son-in-law, Sheridan Fuller; her beloved son, Jaylen Pizarro; her loving mother, Inez "Kelly" Long; her brother, Dana Long; her sister, Robin Long-Monroe, and brother-in-law, Lawrence Monroe; her niece, Rondelle Long; her nephew, James Long; her high school sweetheart, Kevin Jones; and a host of extended family, lifelong friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Those who loved Shana remember her for her generous heart, her sense of humor, and her ability to make others feel accepted and free from judgment. Their words reflect the lasting impact she had on so many lives.

Though her passing breaks our hearts, we are forever grateful for the time we shared with her. Her spirit will live on in every cherished memory, every shared laugh, and every act of kindness inspired by her example. While her time with us was far too short, the love she gave so freely will continue to guide and comfort those who knew her.

Rest peacefully, Shana. You were deeply loved, and your memory will forever remain a blessing.