Condolences
I worked with Shawna at 1 Dental Det Greenwood. She was such a joy to be around, always positive, huge smile and contagious laugh. I remember many times hanging out outside of work, having some drinks and dancing at the mess or local pub, she was just an absolute joy to be around, she made me laugh.She was a remarkable human being and so incredibly strong and gone way too soon. My sincere condolences to her family.
So sorry for your loss. She was far to young to go but is now out of pain. May she rest in peace
It has taken a few days to process, and it’s even harder being so far away and not being able to offer support to her incredible husband, mom and family, but we have lost an incredible neighbour and friend over Christmas. Shawna was someone very special to us. We haven’t been neighbours in Cape Breton for very long but boy did she make an impact on our lives and on many of our friends and family who visited us over the past couple of years. Shawna and I connected on FB before we moved. She would send me pics of sunsets and deer on our lawn. She would tell me how much she was looking forward to finally meeting us after months of online chat. I felt like I had known her forever!
We are heartbroken that we last hugged her in October when we left kind of knowing we may not be able to do that again! She was a fighter and one who showed us all how to be positive when things got tough.
In death, one of the things that helps us get through the pain are the great memories we have. We had just arrived in CB during Covid so we were quarantined for 2 weeks. Those who know me know that I would have stocked up on my white wine from Ontario. Well…it wasn’t enough! I ran out within days! I posted on FB a funny plea for anyone who knew me in CB (and there weren’t too many) to bring me wine as I was in my hot tub with my last glass. This saint walked up our back steps and set a bottle of white on the tub and said ‘here you go my friend, never be without your wine, I’m here to save the day’. I literally met her once in person! She had my heart!
I will miss her so much! I will miss sitting on our deck wrapped in blankets laughing. I will miss borrowing sugar from her, sharing Paul’s amazing soups with her, meeting and socializing with her beautiful circle of friends. I will miss literally everything about her!
I can’t imagine the pain and heartache her family is feeling!
Rest in peace Shawna.
I still can’t believe the news,
As a colleague at the medical clinic in Geilenkirchen for 3 years, I only have great words for Shawna. Always smiling and there to help.
Dear Shawna, you will be missed. Hope you rest in peace, you have made a hell of a fight!
Dear Ron, the kids, family and friends, you should be proud of her and what she leaves behind. May you honours her and carry her memories with you.
My heart is with you in this difficult time.
My heart collapsed when I heard shawna lost her battle again cancer. I worked by her side for almost three years in Geilenkirchen. She was the best battle buddy someone can have. Her laugh was so contagious!! I have the most fantastic memories working with her! Shawna was a generous and helpful soul who will be dearly missed. I will always remember the good times! My deepest sympathies to Ron, Brady, Brittany and your loved ones,
Ronald,
toutes nos condoléances pour toi et toute la famille. Vous serez dans nos prières.
Famille Dumoulin-Boulé
Shawna is the brightest star. She lit up the room with just her smile but her laughter was also contagious. You couldn't help but love her and want her to be a part of your world. I enjoyed every minute we spent together at work and outside of work while living together at CFB Gagetown. I was so excited when we reconnected a few years ago and longed to hug her close when I visited her in August 2023. Her presence impacted so many in this world, in a positive and vibrant way, making her loss even more unbearable. I'm thankful for the memories I have and feeling blessed that we were able to reconnect again.
My thoughts are with the entire family today and for many days to come. Shawna was loved by all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.... a void that can never be filled....xoxo
Thinking of you my dear friend.....RIP
Toby Lee
Shawna was one of my most special childhood friends. She had a giant smile that would light up any room with a heart that was just as big. After high school Shawna and I had plans to move to Montreal to become nannies, but the universe had different plans for both of us. Unfortunately we were only able to connect virtually over the past thirty years but we always reached out to share and celebrate our special milestones. I will forever cherish my childhood memories with Shawna; my beautiful, sweet friend.
To Carolyn, Pam, Vanessa, Chris and all of Shawna’s family and friends who I did not have the pleasure of meeting, my deepest condolences to all of you.
Ron, so sorry to hear of the loss of Shawna. Sincere condolences to you and her family and friends. Take care.
Shawna was a bundle of joy. The best hostess you can imagine. Always paying attention and doing the extra mile to please you. Her smile was comforting and contagious.
We will miss her greatly!!
Josée & François
Shawna will always be remembered as a kind, caring and loving mother and friend. Her laughter was contagious and would brighten our day.
My thoughts are with the family.
Shawna was a shining star on earth now she shines in the sky looking over her family.
RIP my beloved friend xx
There are so many great things to say about Shawna just not enough space to write it all. We grew up living side by side and going to school together . Many laughs and so many good times. Your smile was so infectious as well as your personality and everything about you. You will be missed beyond words . Fly high with the angels , heaven has sure gained a beauty ! RIP Lovely Cousin Shawna, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you xoxo
Dear Ron, Brady, Brittany, Carolyn & family,
Our hearts go out to you all. Shawna was such a beautiful person. We will cherish the memory of your visit to our temporary home in Ottawa. We had just moved there with a new baby and a toddler and didn’t know many people. But aunt Carolyn and Alvin were there and Shawna and Ron came to visit us. It was nice to see familiar faces and dance a few steps!
We are so grateful we had the chance to see Shawna this summer during her brief visit in PEI.
Sending lots of love, Trevor, Christine & kids
Dear Ron, Brady and Brittany!
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
Most sincerely,
Frank and Jeannette with Damaris, Alisanne and Adara
„Those we hold most dear never truly leave us ... they live on in the kindnesses they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives.“
- Isabel Norton
My thoughts are with you and your family, Ron, during this sad time. May your special memories together bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
My deepest condolences on the loss of Shawna. She was such an amazing person with a magnificent smile and a huge heart. Shawna and I first met on our military 6A course in Borden, ON and within days, I felt like we had known each other our entire lives. This particular course could be challenging and when times were difficult, her up beat attitude made those rough days a little easier and more pleasant for us all.
My most fond memory of Shawna was during our field exercise on this course. It was late into the night, maybe early morning, and we had not slept. While on sentry duty in our shell scrape, we were convinced that we had seen hundreds of gerbils running around on the road out in front of us. This was very unsettling for a few brief moments until we realized, that in fact, it was only the leaves, that had fallen from the trees, that were moving around by the wind. That was it! We started laughing uncontrollably and couldn't stop. Keep in mind, we were supposed to be very quiet as we were "hidden from the enemy" and here we were with the giggles. I am smiling as I write this...
Shawna and I had kept in contact over the years and I wish I could have had one more conversation with her, to hear her voice and of course, that beautiful laugh. Rest in peace Shawna and know that you had made an incredible impact on so many lives. You will be missed dearly my friend...
Love
Kelly Scott
Ron & family. My heart breaks to hear this terribly sad news. Shawna was such a lovely soul. I am so very sorry for your immense loss. Please be assured of my prayers for Shawna and of comfort and consolation for you, her family.
To Shawna's Family,
I feel like I know each of you a bit because Shawna talked of you so often. Brittany and Brady, she was so proud of you!
Shawna & I met when we were both 20 years old at college taking Dental Assisting and oh what a wonderful surprise for us to meet up again on our first military dental courses: Dent Tech QL5 and Land Environmental Training. Her contagious laugh and smile got many of us through that training. I think seeing Shawna scale up to the second floor window of our accommodation building (on our instructor's shoulders) to go through an open window to retrieve a classmates keys from her locked room is a favorite memory for many of us. We later taught together in Borden, a learning curve for both of us but again her positive energy saw us through and we had so many laughs. For a short period we got to work together in Petawawa just prior to her retirement from the CAF. What sticks out to me from teaching in Borden & our time in Petawawa is how much she cared about her subordinates. A true leader, she was invested in their personal well being and professional development. Ensuring they received recognition for their accomplishments was really important to her!
Shawna's uncanny ability to touch other people's lives made the world a much better place. I'm so grateful for the time we had and she will not be forgotten!
With deepest sympathy,
Tracy, Jim & Taylor Gauthier
Carolyn and family,
Our sincere condolences to the passing of Shawna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during
this difficult time.
Wade and Zelia Marchand
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your wife Ron. Reading the condolence messages, I wish that our paths had crossed and I had met her personally. Shawna sounds like an amazing woman. I feel for you and you family and send my support to you all. Please take care of yourselves.
Ron, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Though I didn't have the privilege of knowing Shawna personally, I've heard so much about her from you, Ron. The stories you've shared paint a beautiful picture of the remarkable person she was. Please accept my sincere condolences, and as you navigate through this terrible loss, please be patient and kind to yourself.
Barb Arsenault
Ron, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful Shawna. Thinking of you and sending all my positive energy your way. Take care.
Lisa Hartinger
Ron, and family, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Shawna. I only had the opportunity to meet her one time when her and Ron came over to pick some rhubarb from my garden, on a beautiful sunny PEI day. It was a short meeting, but her beautiful energy and positive personality shined through and within minutes I felt like I had known her for a long time. She truly was a beautiful person and I’m sure she will be missed greatly. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through, but please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Shawna, I was so saddened to hear this news. We meet many people in our lives but only a few stand out as unforgettable and Shawna has definitely made an indelible mark on my life.
I had the privilege of meeting Shawna when I was a new Corporal in Borden, ON. Shawna was my instructor and I was immediately impressed with this beautiful lady! She was gracious, kind, gentle and her smile could light up a room. She had the most wonderful laugh and she had a way of making you feel like you were special.
I met her a number of times over the next 10 years and it was always such a pleasure to be the recipient of her warmth and her amazing smile. She touched many lives, as only Shawna could, and she will not be forgotten.
Shawna was a blessing in so many lives, mine included. I share in your pain, the pain of her loss! I hope that you are able to find peace and comfort in all of your beautiful memories and know that she loved you so very much.
Love,
Debby Arsenault
Cher Ron,
Je suis ému d’entendre du décès de Shawna. Je sais que tu avait prévu de construire et d’emménager dans votre maison de rêve pour passer le reste ta vie avec ton épouse bien-aimée.
Je te prie d’accepter mes plus sincères condoléances. J’espère qu’avec le temps, tu te réjouira de vos nombreux et heureux souvenirs partagés.
Prends soin de toi, Ron.
Repectueusement,
Renée Paquette
Dear Ron, Brady and Brittany,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Shawna's death. My sincere condolences.
Looking back at your years in Germany. Back then we lived next door to each other in Geilenkirchen-Hatterath and had a great time as neighbors. I will remember Shawna the way I remember her when I met her: always with a smile on her face and always spreading so much positive energy.
Marco
Dear loved ones of Shawna,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Shawna's passing and I am so sorry for your loss. When I first met Shawna I had just left my hometown to go to college. A short time later it was my birthday and when Ron and Shawna found out they went out and bought a present and a card. I don't really remember the gift (aside from the fact that it was generous) but I will never forget the card. It said that I was a very special girl and that I deserve the best. Where I come from people aren't very vocal about their feelings and being away from home had left me questioning who I was. So you can probably imagine how much these kind words meant to me at exactly that time. I still pull out that card from time to time.
After that I was lucky to spend more time with Shawna and Ron when they were in Germany and seeing how warm, kind and generous Shawna was has left a big impression on me about how to live a good life. I am grateful to have known her.
Hilke
Cher Ron et toute la famille,
Nous avons de bons souvenirs de notre temps partagé en allemagne. Gardez courage et soyez patients avec vous-même. Vous êtes dans mes prières
Ed et Josiane Roberds (née Yergeau)
Richmond, ON
Shawna and I met in February 2008 just after I had heard I was going to be posted to Germany the following summer; she was going to be the clinic coordinator working with me. I immediately knew I was in for a treat. Her enthousiasm, her kindness, and her joie de vivre were contagious. As shown in one of the pictures where she posed as one of « Mario’s angels », she was definitely a angel. She loved working with people and deeply cared for them.
Once we got to Geilenkirchen, she instantly became our friend and our guardian angel. Whether it was helping during our house hunting trip, supporting Sonia when I was in the hospital, helping me and the kids when Sonia was sick, or helping organize my 50th birthday party, Shawna was always there for us. Sonia, Benjamin, Matilde and I are very grateful that she was part of our lives.
As far as work is concerned, she made this particular posting a highlight of my career as a military dentist. Working along her side was so easy, inspiring and a real pleasure. We had so much FUN! And to top it off, we got to do it all across Germany and in the UK. I will always cherish those memories.
To Ron, Brady, Brittany and your loved ones, our deepest sympathies. Lentement, la peine laissera sa place aux doux souvenirs.
Sonia and Mario.
Major Mario Mailhot (Retired dental officer)
The first day I met Shawna in the dental clinic in Greenwood I knew we would be friends forever. She was one of my favourite people. I have so many great memories with her that I will always cherish. Britney, Brady, Carolyn and the rest of Shawna's family my sincere condolences to you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Ron, Brady, Brittany and family, We are so saddened and deeply sorry for your loss. Shawna’s love, kindness and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She had a great love for family, and a spirit and smile that filled a room. She will be missed dearly.
Lisa, Kevin, Eric, Isabelle, Jordan and Marcus
To Shawna's Family,
I was so sadden to hear of Shawna's passing. Sincere condolences! My thoughts and prayers
are with each and every one of you during this difficult time. Shawna will be sadly missed!
Fly high with the Angels Shawna!
Shirley Anne Samson
To you Ron, Carolyn, Alvin, Pam, Vanessa, Chris & your beloved families:
I extend my heartfelt condolences and my heart breaks for each and every one of you. I knew Pam, Shawna, Vanessa & Chris growing up in Louisdale and there were many days & evenings we spent playing in the yards on Harbourview Crescent.
Although we drift apart as we grow older to begin our lives, I have never forgotten the carefree, bubbly and lovely personality that was Shawna. She was always smiling that gorgeous smile and was a wonderful friend to everyone she met.
Please know that others share in your grief & sorrow and we pray you will find the strength to get through the devastating days ahead. She will always walk beside you ...
Most sincerely,
Lisa (Boudreau) Deighan & family xo
Fredericton, New Brunswick
To: Shawna’s Family
We were deeply saddened by the news of Shawna’s passing. It is said that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. Shawna will always be watching over your family.
We extend our most sincere condolences.
Love: Anita, Diane, & Steven Drummond
xoxoxo
It is with great sadness that I write this Condolence to Ron and your family.
Shawna was the type of person who shined twice as bright…
Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences on the passing of Shawna. May the good lord carry you in this difficult journey.
Oh my God. I went to high school with Shawna. My sincere condolences to Shawna's family and friends.
Deepest condolences to Claire, Brady and family at this difficult time. We are thinking of you. With love Kimberly and Mike
Sending deepest condolences to Shawna's family. Shawna will always be in your hearts, and she will forever be remembered! She was an amazing woman, a kind soul and I'm grateful that I had the honor to have met her and to call her my friend. She made my days at VAC most enjoyable, and I will forever remember her smile and laughs!!
My thoughts and prayers for you all during this time.
Much love,
Heather Penny
Shawna and I worked together at CFB Gagetown from 1996-1999 before she joined the CAF. She made dentistry much less stressful for me and for patients. One single officer in particular was especially enamored with her smile; that was Ron Young. I had to repeatedly remind him that Shawna was (then) unavailable. I was so pleased to run into her years later, a sergeant clinic coordinator and married to Ron. All I could think was that he must have thought he was in heaven! No wonder: Shawna was a rare mix of warmth, conscientiousness and competence. She was a friend when I knew nobody in Oromocto. I too will never forget her smile. To Ron and her family, my deepest condolences.
Carolyn Boyd
Major (retired)
Royal Canadian Dental Corps
Shawna...a breath of fresh air, my mentor, my friend! I will miss her terribly although I am glad her suffering has ended. I got close to her when she lived on PEI and I went to her for massages. My one hour massage always ended up being a lot longer because we laughed so hard she couldn't get the massage done on time. She was a blast !! She was a true friend, a person dealing with her own cancer who made sure I was looked after emotionally when I was dealing with mine. Always thinking of someone else first rather then herself.. To Ron, I'm so so sorry. She loved you dearly. To her children, she never stopped talking about you and how proud she was of you. To her Mom and her siblings, she always said she was blessed with the best family. To all of you I send my deepest sympathy and pray for your peace. Kathy Becker PEI
We are so very sorry for your loss and hope your many happy memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Glenn & Carolyn Howard
xo
So sorry for your loss. While it has been years since I last saw Shawna (probably since high school)I have fond memories of her. I can still see her smile and hear her laugh. May the memories of her live on as you move forward through this difficult time.
I met Shawna in 2007. She and her two children, Brady and Brittany moved to Germany. We lived in the same town. Our first encounter was when Shawna asked if she could use our phone. From that day we became close, our friendship blossomed into something very special. Her husband, Ron,joined a few weeks later. Our two families went on trips together and enjoyed each others company for Sunday supper. We have such fond memories. Shawna's infectious smile and her laugh will remain on my heart forever. I always thought she was the better dancer too. She had some great moves Lol. Myself, Duane, along with Conor and Liam will miss Shawna so so much. Heaven has gained a Beautiful soul and now angel to watch over us. Our sympathies to Carolyn, Alvin, Ron, Brady, Brittany, Pam, Vanessa and all of those family and friends of Shawna
Melanie and Duane Murphy
I met Shawna just once a few years ago when Theresa my wife and I met with Carolyn, her mother, a long time friend of Theresa. I was blown away by her huge smile, bubly personality and optimism, it left a lasting impression on me. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Carolyn and family, we are so saddened by Shawna's passing. I wish we had known her, she sounds like she was a pistol, and has obviously left many treasured memories.
Rest in peace, Shawna.
Nova and Jamie
To Brady, Brittany, and Shawna’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear about Shawna. I worked with Shawna in Greenwood and Germany and she was an amazing person to work with and a great friend. Yes, her smile came from her heart and she was simply a wonderful person to be around. Colin Duffy
Mes plus sincères sympathies à Brady, Brittany, Mike, Caroline ainsi qu’à la famille et proches. Dur rappel de la fragilité de la vie et de l’importance de profiter pleinement de chaque moment.
Shawna, thanks for always being so kind, generous and funny! One of my most precious memories will be of Amsterdam and the redheaded bombshell police officer ❤️ Our most sincere condolences to Shawna's family, friends and former colleagues.
Coleen & JP Martinello
Dear Carolyn and family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences at this very sad time. We have been praying for her and all of you since we heard of her diagnosis. Prayers are not always answered the way we would like but we don’t understand God’s plan. I feel that prayers keep families strong during these difficult times. I know Shauna felt her family’s love all during her illness and I’m sure it gave all of you the strength you needed to get through. May God continue to give you comfort. Judy and Earl Doyle
The ‘old girls’ at 1 Canadian Field Hospital we were…oh my we laughed so hard together trying to keep up with the young ones on the run that day…still makes me smile thinking about it and how we got to know each other.
I will never forget you my sister in arms…if there are angels you are surely one of them now.
Rest easy Shawna.
Captain (ret’d) Pamela Smith
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of your loved one, Shawna. We worked together briefly at VAC, she had a contagious smile and a warm laugh. May your memories of her help comfort you in days ahead.
Oh Carolyn so very sad to see this - such a beautiful write up she certainly celebrated life to the fullest. Love and prayers to you and her family ❤️
Shawna, when I first met you in Gagetown, that smile hit me like a bolt of lightening. I will never forget that beautiful smile, your zest for life and warm personality. It was an honour to have known you.
Definitely an Angel in Heaven now. RIP
My condolences to Shawna's family and friends. She was an amazing person who will be missed. Very sad to learn of her passing.
I remember Shawna as a new born baby. She later had the biggest smile I've ever seen. Always with a positive attitude, in everything she did. So many friends & a succsessful career in the Military, everyone loved her.
She will always remain in my heart.
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