It is with much sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, mother, best friend, sister, aunty, niece, granddaughter Shaylene Johnson. She passed away tragically on July 23, 2024 in Sydney, NS.
Shaylene was known especially for her love of family and will be greatly missed by her daughters Tanis, Makit, and Skyla, and her only son Trennan. There is a special place in her heart as well for her step daughter Daisy Trenholm. In her short time here, she was sure to enable their gifts of song, dance, music, archery, art, you name it. She taught her children well. From her they learned all these incredible gifts combined with respect and good manners.
Shaylene was highly adventurous and meticulous at organizing things, especially as they related to family and culture. It could be a family trip to a Powwow, sporting event, youth and Elders’ gatherings, she was always on the forefront and had done a remarkable job with each endeavour. She won International Awards for her contributions to scholarly journal articles on ethnomusicology. She was, and remains, a cultural hero and role model. At a very young age, she learned the songs, the dances, the music, and ceremonies of her people. She happily shared these gifts when she worked at the Membertou Youth Centre for several years. She was a proud Mi’kmaq person who spoke the language well.
We call her a gentle warrior. She was an elite archer who celebrated her greatest win by earning gold at the North American Indigenous Masters 3D Archery tournament in Toronto, 2018. She would be the first in line to defend the honor of her loved ones and friends. She wouldn’t hesitate to tell you that she loved and admired you. She shared her love unconditionally. Shaylene lovingly expressed a special place in her heart for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women awareness movement. She showed up to all the rallies and marches, drum in hand and singing beautifully for our stolen sisters. She had an incredible voice. She loved hiking, hunting, and fishing as well. An amazing cook, she loved to prepare wild game and fish – meals her family enjoyed immensely. She told great stories and had an unrivaled sense of humor.
Shaylene is survived by her parents Margaret L. Johnson and Clifford Paul; her sisters Krystal, Sherilyn, Dee Ann, and brother Clifford Jr, maternal aunts Rosie Johnson, Mary Belle Johnson, uncles Gregory Johnson Jr, Neskawet Johnson, Quanah Johnson, Marcus Simon and Thomas Simon. She is also survived by her paternal aunts Darlene Paul, Kimberley A. Paul, Laureen Paul, Judy Ann Marshall, and her uncles Blair Paul, and Nicholas Isaac. Also survived by her grandmother Linda Johnson, Eskasoni. She will be especially missed by former partner Aaron Trenholm (Millbrook) who proudly stood by her side. She is also lovingly missed and adored by her best friend Raylene Sylliboy. Her loving God Parents Kathy Denny and George Christmas will miss her dearly, and especially missed by several God Children.
She was predeceased by her maternal grand-parents Gregory Johnson and Cecelia Simon, and her paternal grand-parents Melvin and Margaret Paul. Also predeceased by her childhood best friend and cousin Michelle Ginnish and uncle Daniel Paul.
Visitation will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 45 Pi’Kun Ave in Membertou. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Marguerite Bougeouys, 40 Cabot St. with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Salite to follow. Burial to take place at a later date.
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