Obituary of SHAELYN SKYE GAUTHIER

SHAELYN SKYE GAUTHIER

September 1, 2002 – August 2, 2024

Today we lost a Hero.  It’s with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss that we announce the unexpected passing of our granddaughter and daughter Shaelyn.

Shaelyn grew up in Scotia Heights in Winnipeg.  She was an honours student in high school, graduating from Garden City Collegiate in 2020, being one of many students who was unable to celebrate her graduation due to Covid.  Shaelyn then enrolled in college but attended through her laptop in her bedroom. She studied Accounting, Payroll and Administration, finishing with an overall average of 87%.  Her most recent wish was to go to university to study Pharmaceutical.

Music was Shaelyn’s first love.  When she was only 3 years old, she got a pair of tap shoes.  She danced and danced around the house.  One time when she was dancing her little heart out, I ran to get the camera.  Upon returning I asked her to dance again to which she replied, “I already did it.”  When Shaelyn turned four Great Grandma and Grandpa Stevens bought her a white lace dress with multiple different colored ribbons as a belt.  She would twirl and swirl while doing the “ribbon dance” with ribbons flying all around her.  Her great grandparents were just in awe of her talent.  At the age of five Shaelyn started dance lessons which continued from 2008 to 2017.  She studied Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Cheer and Hip Hop, up to four nights per week.  In 2017 Shaelyn suffered a traumatic brain injury and was no longer able to continue in dance.  Also, she was able to play multiple musical instruments.  She was fluent in piano, violin and clarinet; and liked to experiment with thumb organ and guitar.  Shaelyn was a master of gourmet cooking and indeed had a green thumb.  If I wanted a plant to come back to life or bloom, I could just leave it up to Shaelyn for a bit and voila!!!

Shaelyn valued true friendship. When there was a friend in need, she was there to help; often sacrificing her own wellbeing for those she truly cared for.  She has quite literally given the shirt off her back and her last dollar to help someone.   Animals were Shaelyn’s greatest joy.  She would have had a zoo at her home if she was able to.  She kept the most amazing 20-gallon fish tank ever, with numerous types and colors of fish and multiple types and colors of plants. It was her pride and joy for years, so the huge amount of work needed to keep it was a labour of love.

Shaelyn’s is indeed a Hero.  A year ago, she made the decision and signed her organ donor card.  Our Hero has saved three lives with her thoughtfulness and generosity.  We walked the Hero’s Walk with her on the way to the operating room, and then said, “goodbye till we see you again”.

Shaelyn is survived by her Nana Sandy Gauthier, Papa Mitch Huyghebaert, Grandpa John Enns (Nora): Uncle Ryan Gauthier, Auntie Ell Hastings, Daddy Lance Barylski (Ashley); Siblings: Cassie, Dylan, Connor, Chase and Ciara; Long-time Very Best Friend Hallie Mell.  She leaves fond memories to many aunts, uncles, cousins, and too many other dear friends to name.

Shaelyn was pre-deceased by her Mom Christie Ann Gauthier (2012); Great Grandpa Stevens 2018; Great Grandma Stevens (2008); Great Grandpa Gauthier (2000); Great Grandma Gauthier (2017); Grandpa Paul Gauthier (2023), all whom she knew and loved dearly.  Also, her furry friends: Nibbles (2012), Tiger (2012), Bella (July 2024) and many ‘favorite’ fish.

A celebration of Shaelyn’s life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at Luxton Avenue, Winnipeg, R2W 3V7 on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Michael Jakiwchuk will be officiating.

Our most sincere appreciation goes to the police, fire and paramedics at the scene; the HSC emergency and resuscitation teams and staff; Dr Mendelson, nurses and staff in MICU, Transplant Manitoba and the Organ Transplant Teams for the amazing care and thoughtfulness shown toward Shaelyn, her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Shaelyn’s memory can be honored with donations made in her name to either of the following:

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba           

4 Fort Street, Winnipeg, MB., R3C 1C4                  

204-786-0987                                               

Winnipeg Humane Society

45 Hurst Way, Wpg, MB., R3T 0R3

204-663-9401