It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Shelley Lynn Prevost, who left this world far too soon on August 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Thunder Bay. She passed peacefully, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.
Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Shelley spent her early childhood moving with her family due to her father’s service in the Canadian Navy, living in Bermuda, Inuvik, and finally settling in Ottawa.
A driven and spirited person from a young age, Shelley began working in a local hospital while attending Woodroffe High School to save money for international travel. That early dedication to helping others and her passion for exploration would define her life.
She graduated from Algonquin College in 1982 as a Respiratory Therapist and soon moved to Thunder Bay, where she built an extraordinary 35-year career. Shelley worked in every acute care hospital in the city, concluding her career at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, including the last 15 years seconded to St. Joseph’s Hospital. She also earned a Master’s degree in Respiratory Science Management from Charles Sturt University and learned French over three summers living in Trois-Pistoles, Québec.
Shelley’s love for her profession was matched only by her love for her family. She will be forever cherished by her husband of 39 years, Roger Lepage, and their sons, Zachary (Caitlyn Lesnick) and Samuel (Hannah Russell). Shelley’s truest joy was found in her two sons. They were the heart of her world, and her love for them knew no limits. Her face would light up the moment they entered the room, a smile that spoke of pride, devotion, and a bond that could never be broken.
She was deeply proud and adored her nieces and nephews: Cody, Nick, Molly, and Tabitha Prevost, who brought immense joy into her life, as well as the many wonderful nieces and nephews from the Lepage clan. She delighted in watching them grow into remarkable adults with many having children of their own.
Shelley is survived by her brothers Brian (Francine) Prevost and David (Sheri-Anne) Prevost, both of Ottawa, her aunt Gail Prevost, cousins Jody, Jason (Ottawa), and cousin Greg (Halifax).
Welcomed into the Lepage family 43 years ago, Shelley felt supported and loved throughout her life and considered each of them a true brother or sisters.
A passionate traveller, Shelley believed in living life to the fullest. With Roger, she explored countries, working in the United Arab Emirates for one year and travelling in Southeast Asia (Cambodia and Singapore), Italy, Costa Rica, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan among other destinations. Following her diagnosis with brain cancer, they traded their tent for a camper van and road-tripped across Canada, chasing sunsets and sunrises in every province concluding with a wonderful discovery of Newfoundland in the summer of 2024.
Despite her diagnosis, Shelley’s strength never wavered during her 5½-year journey. She faced her illness with courage, grace, and a deep desire to live fully.
Shelley was a lifelong learner, dog lover, cyclist, hockey player, passionate cook, CrossFit devotee, and a diehard (and long-suffering) Toronto Maple Leafs fan. But above all, she was a loving partner and devoted mother. Her unstoppable spirit left a mark on everyone she met.
In Shelley’s honour, we invite you to live with vigour, kindness, and curiosity, and to laugh, really, really laugh. She left this world deeply loved, and we are forever grateful to those who stood by her side.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers and medical teams, especially the staff at Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre. Special gratitude goes to Drs. Marchuk, Anthes, Sellick, Mozon, and a “rockstar” thank you to Dr. Joseph Del Paggio, whose compassionate support enabled Shelley to continue travelling. We are also deeply grateful for the care received from those incredible angels at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Shelley’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at our friend’s beautiful home on the Kaministiquia River located at 180 Kamwood Drive with family and friends gathering at 1:00 p.m.
If friends desire, in lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Northern Cancer Fund would be appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
