Kristin Rae Shaw-Dashnaw - My 1st Born

Have you ever met a Ray of sunshine?

This was our Kristin.

She loved sea turtles, sunflowers, and the great outdoors. She was an adventurer and her best times were with friends and family, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and sitting around a fire. She loved her garden and was an avid reader. She worked hard and was a loyal friend.

She was a tough cookie, with no filter. The strong one you never thought you'd have to worry about. You always knew where you stood with her. She was bold and brave, and underneath that tough shell was soft, gentle and loving. She gave us hope that the world was indeed a brighter place.

She was a big sister and loved her siblings with a fierce protective love, always ready to go to bat for them. Nothing ever changed her love for them.

She was a loving mother. Her boys were her world. Her unwavering love ran deeper than the ocean and she would do anything to protect them. Her only grandchild gave her life new meaning and purpose.

And she was a beloved daughter. Her mom misses her with a grief deeper than the sea. She is holding on to her babies, grandbabies and great-grandbabies and loving them deeper every single day.

Born September 28, 1980 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Michael J. Shaw of Granville and Cindy L. Corey of Glens Falls. Kristin graduated from Hudson Falls High School with the class of 1999. She was a long time manager at the Safety Warehouse in South Glens Falls.

Search for "Turtles for Kristin" on Facebook to share a memory. It would mean the world to those she left behind.

If you take something from the story of Kristin's life, let it be this:

When someone you know is on an unhealthy path, speak up no matter what it costs. You could be saving their life. You could be the catalyst that makes the difference between life and death.

Be kind to people, because you never know what they may be going through.

And take care of yourself. Love yourself.

Kristin Rae, you are loved and missed more than words can say.