Amy Shanks

Amy Shanks went to fly with the angels on October 2nd at Lake City Medical Center. Born in New Haven, CT on August 5th, 1977, Amy was the daughter of Veronica Janisczak Rapuano, and the late Benjamin Anthony Rapuano. Even as a child it was clear that Amy’s gift and passion in life was the ability to help others. This passion extended beyond people and encompassed all of god's creatures. For several years Amy juggled two full time jobs. The first, being an incredible mother to Bailey and Jordan and the second being a certified Doula. Amy travelled the state helping both expecting mothers, and new mothers with some of the daily tasks involved with caring for infants. Amy specialized in special needs infants, many of which require 24 hour care. Amy was also a newborn photographer.

In 2007, Amy, Peter, Bailey and Jordan moved to White Springs Florida to begin their dream on a wooded 12-acre lot. During the process of clearing the land and having the house delivered, Amy had no idea that along with her home growing her family would grow as well. Amy brought home dozens of animals in need of a good home to the property and helped build larger and larger enclosures to keep them all safe. Amy even tried to keep the deer and turkey safe during hunting season.

The animals weren't the only new additions to Amy’s life. Amy could not stand to see any children that needed help. Regardless of circumstance, troubled, broken or just needing an ear to bend, Amy was there with a smile upon her face. Her philosophy was that although we don’t have a lot of money, we have a roof with four walls and no child will be left behind. Since 2010, Amy has helped several children in need of a place to call home. Most kids stayed for a weekend, and some became almost adopted daughters. Cheyenne Gaddis and Kyla Cameron were two that have stayed for a good chunk of that time and that Amy referred to as “our girls”. It wasn’t uncommon to see several kids with sleeping bags were spread out all over the floor. Add to those kids any number of cats, dogs, mice, tortoises, and a baby squirrel, and you would just smile at her level of devotion.

An inspiration, warrior, and survivor, Amy truly was “amazing” she was a beacon and guiding light to anyone who crossed her path. Everyone called Amy “mom”. The word “no” when it came to those in need simply did not exist in Amy’s vocabulary. If you needed her, she will be there.

Amy is preceded in death by her father Benjamin Anthony Rapuano. She is survived by her mother Veronica Janisczak Rapuano, her husband Peter Shanks, and daughters Bailey Shanks, Jordan Shanks, Cheyenne Gaddis, and Kyla Cameron. Also, her beloved pets Mocha, Emma, Max, Midnight, Cami, Kitten, Frank, Ava, Nova, and Maize

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  There will be no interment at this time.  

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