With broken hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Shanelle Cassandra Samuels, who transitioned from this life far too soon on April 3, 2025, at the age of 27.

Shanelle was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to Adolphus Samuels and the late Elisa Brown, and attended Camperdown High School before migrating to Boston, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Jeremiah E. Burke High School in 2015. A standout student with a bright mind and determined spirit, she earned numerous awards and scholarships that helped pave the way for her next chapter.

She went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with concentrations in Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering from the Francis College of Engineering, Class of 2020. Shanelle graduated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and, like many in her class, didn’t get to walk across the stage. But that didn’t diminish the significance of her achievement—it was a remarkable testament to her resilience, focus, and quiet determination. In her own words:
“Thank you to my family and friends who supported me through this journey. Especially to my sisters—without them I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Professionally, Shanelle brought brilliance and heart to everything she did. She began her career at the Broad Institute in Cambridge and later joined Verve Therapeutics, where she made meaningful contributions and inspired those around her with her sharp intellect and calm confidence.

But Shanelle was so much more than her accomplishments. She was vibrant, witty, and full of life. She had a goofy, lovable spirit that made everyone feel at ease. She laughed hard, loved deeply, and left a little sparkle wherever she went.

She also had a special love for elephants—drawn to their strength, wisdom, and loyalty. Much like the gentle giants she admired, Shanelle was powerful yet peaceful, quietly fierce, and always surrounded by those who adored her.

Shanelle was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Elisa Brown, who passed away during her childhood. She is survived by her father, Adolphus Samuels, and her sisters: Tornia “Pee” Samuels, Taneshia “Suzie” Samuels, Sherlette “Breezie” Samuels, Tanola Williams-Dowie, Sandra McKenzie, and Paulette Sewell.

She also leaves behind a loving extended family, including her aunts Rosalee Brown and Mary Brown; uncles Wilfred Brown and Alexander Brown; her nieces Elisa Dowie, Shaniel Walker, Chantay Sewell, and Jordana Simpson; her nephews Nathanael Walker, Sebastian Ashmead, Corey Leys, and Roshad Ingram; her cousin Katie McLean; and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues whose lives were touched by her light.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Hyde Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 6 Webster Street, Hyde Park, Friday April 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. The Visitation will be immediately prior to the service from 9-10 AM. Interment Saint Michael Cemetery, Roslindale.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel: Hyde Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

All are welcome to join in celebrating the beautiful life and legacy of our Shanelle.