Shae Steven Franklin
July 24, 1981 ~ February 10, 2023
Shae Steven Franklin passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 10, 2023. A native Wichitan and graduate of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Shae was the youngest daughter of Sandra and Joseph Steven Jr. She attended the University of Kansas, where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in sociology. In 2004, Shae left her home state to earn a law degree from the University of Colorado. The majority of her career as an attorney was spent in Denver at Collins & Collins, and Brosseau Bartlett Lieberman before serving as special counsel at Allen & Curry. In 2018, Shae married Luke Franklin in a 1920s-themed wedding in Wichita; three years later, they relocated from Denver to Shae’s hometown, where they chose to raise their two daughters near her family. Though beloved by her countless relatives, it was an even greater number of friends and colleagues whose lives Shae touched. Following the example set by her father, Shae truly never met a stranger and could find common ground with all walks of life. Whether meticulously checking things off her to-do list, enjoying plates full of her family’s Lebanese food, or the occasional indulgence in reality TV, Shae was always the sweetest, most genuinely kind person in any room. Above all, Shae was mother to Simone Josephine and Sofia Violette, to whom she devoted her life in the three short years she was with them in person and who will invariably carry on her memory into the future.Shae is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Steven Jr.; her grandparents, Violette and Shafeek Ammar, and Esther and Joseph Steven; and her beloved four-legged companion, Abu.In addition to her daughters, Simone and Sofia, she is survived by her husband, Luke Franklin; mother, Sandra Steven; sister, Jasmin (John) Rupp; nieces, Harper and Lola; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends-all of whom were touched by Shae’s generosity of spirit and heartfelt loyalty.A Rosary will be held Tuesday, February 14 at 5 PM, with a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, February 15 at 10:30 AM-both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford Lane in Wichita.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Hearts United for Animals, which originally united Shae with Abu in 2007: PO Box 286, Auburn, NE 68305; hua.org.Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Shae was my neighbor in Denver and the first friend I had after moving there from San Francisco. We would go to yoga together and I would take care of Abu when she worked late. She and I both love animals and doted on our fur babies. She always had such a big, bright energy. I know she is in Heaven with her beloved Abu. My deepest sympathies go out to her family.
This seems unreal. Shae was such a lovely person. We became friends after a Facebook Marketplace purchase. She was a bright light that will be sorely missed. I can’t tell you how many pictures she sent of her babies, but she just couldn’t seem to send enough. She was crazy about those babies of hers! My heart breaks for her families loss.
I never had the opportunity to meet Shae Steven Franklin, but I did see the video of her wedding to my cousin, Luke Franklin. It was the absolute most stunning wedding I’ve ever seen! I heard the best man’s toast, I saw the joy experienced by everyone that day in the video, I felt the love they had for each other, and it truly touched my heart. Now, I’ve read more about the passing of this woman I never knew – and I know I missed meeting someone great… someone who touched people’s hearts just by being …herself. Her smile is truly infectious and I’m certain her daughters will continue her light. Prayers for Luke, Simone, Sofia, and families. God will carry you and Shae’s light will shine the way. My sympathies to all of you.
Her radiant smile will always be remembered.
I cannot even begin to grasp what a terrible loss this is to the world.
Something about Shae was different – she was a bright light in a dark world and everyone flocked to her. I’ll never forget all of our long chats at Allen & Curry when she told me all about her pregnancy (Simone) and I told her all of my boy problems. She watched me meet and fall in love with my husband and I watched her raise Simone and become the most doting mother. It was so a blessing to become friends during the best season of our lives. Although she was dedicated to her career (even working until 7pm the night before her c-section), there was nothing in the world she loved more than her three children, Abu, Simone and Sofia. I hope the girls spend the rest of their days being reminded of how much she loved them. She loved loved loved you girls, and death cannot break a love that strong. She will be watching over you and with you as you grow. My God bless everyone who was touched by Shae’s presence, but especially Simone and Sofia.
May Her Memory Be Eternal! God Bless Her Family and Be With Them In Their Time of Need….Always a Loving Family…
What a huge loss to all. Sending love and prayers to each of you. Sandra- so hard for a mom to lose a child. My heart goes out to you.
Linda Myers
Our hearts go out to Shae’s beautiful family in these difficult times. May her memory remain eternal.
I am so sorry my heart broken to just hear of Shae’s passing. I’m her mother’s neighbor, and I loved getting to know Shae when she and family lived with Sandra until moving out last year. My heart and prayers for family–Luke, Simone, and Sofia– as well as for Sandy and Jasmin. I’m so sorry that I did not know and could not be at the funeral then.
I met Shea when I first opened my alterations studio in Denver. Quizzing her about hometowns, I shared about my two years in Wichita as a new bride many years before. She instantly became my favorite client. There were dresses to hem for weddings and the infamous basket of mending to rescue.
Abu visited often as well and when I moved my shop to Tennyson Street, Abu played in the yard while we shared stories of my husband with ALS and her Daddy who had just been diagnosed.
Shae was always eager to listen and her countenance was pure joy!
We kept in touch with her famous Christmas with Abu cards and I always checked her Facebook. I was so happy to hear about Luke, family and her posts of the girls. I too will miss her radiance. Shea, you were deeply loved.
It was an honor to know you and keep you as a client. My prayers to Luke and the girls, Jasmine, and your lovely family. God bless you dear friend. 💜