Shayna-Rae Sydney Kirwan
January 24, 1999 ~ March 10, 2025
OBITUARY:
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend, Shayna-Rae Sidney Kirwan, who tragically left us at the age of 26 on March 10, 2025.
Her family meant everything to her, and she will forever be cherished by her loving parents and extended family. Though her time with us was far too brief, Shayna-Rae leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a reminder to embrace every moment of life.
Shayna Rae was predeceased by her Great-Great Grandfather and namesake Sidney Simpson, Great-Great Grandmother Gertie Simpson-Parks, Grandfathers Albert Parks and Robert Kirwan, Great Grandparent’s Elmer and Ester Burgett, Great Grandparents Gene and Betty Fontaine, Grandparents Dianne and Bert Landry, Great Uncle Morris Fontaine and her cousin Cody Wedland/Kirwan. Shayna-Rae is survived by her Mother Carol and Father Michael Kirwan and Grandparents Diane and Terry Hurley and Grandparents Ken and Bonnie Burgett. Her memory will be cherished by all her Aunties and Uncles Rosemary and Thane Valdock, Lisa Burgett, Nancy Langlais, Ron and Sonia Burgett, Sandra and Enzo Benvenuto and Dan and Angela Kirwan. Shayna-Rae had many cousins and little cousins that loved her so very much, Kallie Brausse, Ben McLauchlan, Kaelen McLauchlan, Erica Pickering, Jeremy Matthews, Riley Matthews, Brooke Pickering, Travis, Amber, Kennedy, Taylor and Claire Langlais, Jordan, Alisha and Brooklynn Brausse, Autumn, Eli and Fayelynn Hitchcock, Shane, Kristen, Tyson and Harrison Langlais, Christopher, Jessica, Carter, Colton, Cannon and Emeila Langlais, Blaire, Brock, Lucas and Austin Turner, Kyle Langlais and Cheyenne Lees, Ryverly, Ryerson and Rayne Langlais, Ashton, Roman and Chase Valdock, Jaymee and Max Kirwan, Ryan Burgett, Tyler Burgett and Dalton Kirwan. Shayna-Rae had many close, lifelong friends that will also miss her deeply. Kelsey, Becca and Andy Cox, Avery and CC Silver, Abbey and Emma Taylor, Essence Vieira, Ella and Joy Trenholm, Sara Robinson, Josh Couto, Jasmine Van Allen and of course Mr. G. She had many more friends who loved and adored her.
Shayna-Rae was a beautiful soul, both inside and out. She radiated warmth, kindness, and joy wherever she went, and her love for life was felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. A true adventurer at heart, Shayna-Rae loved exploring the world through theater, camping trips, and quiet moments lost in a good book. Her adventurous spirit was matched only by her deep love for her family—especially her parents, who were her greatest supporters and constant source of inspiration.
Above all, Shayna-Rae was known for her selfless nature. Whether lending a hand to a friend, helping a stranger, or offering a listening ear, she always sought to make the world a better place for others. Her compassion and generosity were boundless, and she brought light to every room she entered.
Shayna-Rae may no longer walk among us, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. May she rest in peace, knowing she touched so many lives in her short time here.
A memorial service will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make time for your family and friends
Sweet Dreams Baby Girl
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with Dale Bartlett and Shannon Cooper officiating.
In lieu of flowers, make time for family and friends.
Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
EULOGY:
We gather here today to honor the life of a beautiful soul who touched all of us deeply. Our hearts are heavy, but we also come together to celebrate the incredible person that Shayna-Rae Sydney Kirwan was, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.
At just 26, Shayna-Rae had already lived a life full of passion, kindness, and purpose. She was the kind of person who made every room brighter just by walking in. Her warmth, her laugh, her infectious energy—these are the things we will forever remember. But it was not only her outer beauty that made her unforgettable; it was the beauty of her heart. Shayna-Rae had a rare and precious gift—the ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and loved.
She adored her family, and we all knew that the bond she shared with her parents was unbreakable. The love she had for them was pure, unwavering, and immeasurable. They were her rock, and she was theirs. Shayna-Rae was always there for her family, ready with a listening ear, a helping hand, or a comforting word when needed. She truly embodied the spirit of what it means to be family. We know in our home we will miss the weekend sleepovers, the trips for ice cream where there was a unfortunate amount of seagulls and Kaelen will miss his online gaming buddy.
Her love extended far beyond just the people she held close. Shayna-Rae had an affinity for animals—a love that was as profound and as natural as breathing. Whether it was a dog, a cat or any creature that crossed her path, she treated them with the same care and tenderness she showed everyone in her life. One animal that brought Shayna-Rae lots of joy was her horse, Gracie. Shayna-Rae spent endless hours with Gracie and loved competing in horse shows. We of course cannot forget about her sidekick, Mocha. Her beautiful cat that was always by her side until he took his walk over the rainbow bridge.
She was also deeply passionate about the world around her. She was a fierce advocate, a feminist with a heart full of conviction, always speaking up for equality, justice, and the rights of those who had no voice. She cared deeply about making the world a better place, and she worked hard to be part of the change she wanted to see. Her voice will live on in all of us who were inspired by her bravery and her unshakeable belief in fairness.
Shayna-Rae had a special love for the theater, and it was there she truly came alive. Whether she was on stage, in the background or in the audience, she was enchanted by the magic of storytelling. She understood that theater was more than just an art form; it was a way to connect, to explore, and to understand ourselves and each other. The passion she poured into it will forever resonate with those of us who shared that love with her.
One of the places Shayna-Rae felt most at home was at Blueberry Lake. There, amidst the peaceful waters and the towering trees, she could truly find herself. It was a place where she could recharge, reflect, and connect with the earth in a way that gave her a sense of peace and belonging. It’s fitting, isn’t it, that we now honor her life in a space that so perfectly mirrored her soul—calm, loving, and endlessly beautiful.
Shayna-Rae lived her life with purpose. She was the embodiment of kindness, love, and compassion. She didn’t just believe in the goodness of people; she helped nurture it, encouraged it, and modeled it every single day. She made this world a better place just by being in it.
As we say goodbye to her far too soon, we know that her legacy will live on in each of us. In the way we care for our loved ones. In the way we advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. In the way we embrace the world around us with love and kindness. Shayna-Rae’s spirit will remain in the beauty she saw in all things—whether in a loving family, a sunset at Blueberry Lake, or the joy of an animal.
We will miss her more than words can express, but we find comfort in knowing that her light, her heart, and her incredible spirit will never be gone. They will live on in the lives she touched, in the love she shared, and in the good that she brought to this world.
Rest in peace, dear Shayna-Rae. You were, and always will be, a light in our hearts.
Love Kiki and Ben
