Shelby E. DiBenedetto, 17, of Auburn and North Scituate, RI, died tragically on Friday, May 11, 2012 from injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Rhode Island.

She is survived by her loving parents, Michelle (Rothera) DiBenedetto and her companion Arthur Buono of North Scituate, and Nicholas P. DiBenedetto of Auburn; her loving brother, Nicholas J. DiBenedetto of Auburn and Boston; her maternal grandparents, Joyce Dadoly of New Hampshire and James T. and Angela Rothera of Auburn; her paternal grandparents, Joy Small of Auburn and the late Nicholas T. DiBenedetto. She was also the cherished niece of Dawn McLaughlin and her husband Thomas of Spencer, James T. Rothera, Jr. and his wife Linda of Shrewsbury, and Lori Corridori of Charlton; her many cousins including Kandace McLaughlin Doyle and Corey McLaughlin, James T. Rothera III and Adrianna Rothera, and Rachael and Anthony Corridori; as well as many friends. Shelby was born in Worcester on May 27, 1994, and was looking forward to her 18th birthday. She lived in Auburn and recently North Scituate. As a younger girl, Shelby played in town sports, and enjoyed dancing for many years.

Shelby was currently a member of the Class of 2012 at Auburn High School and was anxiously awaiting graduation in June. She was planning to attend New England Tech to pursue a career in nursing. Shelby had a wonderful way of lighting up a room, whether it was filled with her friends or her family. Her infectious giggles and laughter would make any group smile and laugh along with her. She loved spending time with her friends doing all the things a teenager is supposed to do. She loved shopping and fashion. She was an incredible artist and extremely creative. Shelby’s greatest love was her family, and unlike most teenagers, she would leave her friends to spend time with them, always anxiously awaiting the next adventure they would embark upon. Shelby’s absence in everyone’s heart and life will never be filled.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Shelby’s family on Thursday, May 17th from 4-8 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. A service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, May 18th with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 AM in the North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Burial plans are private. Instead of flowers, please honor Shelby and her love of animals with a donation to the MSPCA-Angell, 350 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 in her memory.