Shella was a cool and generous sister. Whenever she was in the Philippines, besides visiting our dear mother, she saw to it that we bond as family including our children, nieces, nephews, and relatives by blood and affinity. 
We enjoyed her wit, insights, and dispositions during our conversations and arguments because of her intellect and wide ranging interests. Now, we will be missing you dearly. 
We love you, Shella and rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏

Our sincerest condolences to the entire Zagada family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love the Blandino's, Nunna Guza and the Azzopardi's.

I'm very sorry to hear this news. Although I didn't know Shella personally, I can say she was very kind and approachable during the few times we communicated. To her family and friends, please accept my condolences. I pray for comfort during this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences on the loss our dear friend Shella.  We have known her since the late 80s from UP until we continued our adventure here in Canada where she was one of those who welcomed us and introduced us to new friends.  You will be dearly missed.

I knew Shella from 1995 when I met her in Korea at the Asia YMCA Assembly. She was then a youth leader with an intellect and dynamism. From a radical school of thought, she grew in the YMCA rapidly before she became an Executive staff in the Asia Alliance of YMCAs. She introduced new ways of being a relevant YMCA especially among youth leaders. After she left the YMCA we kept in touch through zoom calls and letters. It is a shock to hear of her early death. God took her away much too early. I respected her work deeply. The YMCA lost her when she was ready for higher responsibilities. May she rest in peace.

Tita Shella was a simple woman—hindi siya maarte, just as you can see in the photos I shared that i admired you the most. I posted these because she and Tito Manny made our dream come true: they helped make it possible for me and my husband to get married. Because of them, I have someone to grow old with. They were also the ones who told me from the start that Nikko was the right person for me 🥹

Tito and Tita treated me like their own real child, and they’ve always supported me through everything. They made sure our whole family was taken care of—from my mother Lorelie to Tito Marlon, and everyone in between. They spoiled us with love, but they also corrected us when we needed it, always guiding us the right way.

Tita Shella was a strong, independent woman. She poured her heart into everything she did—she was focused, organized, and so well-coordinated. She always thought carefully before speaking, making sure her words never hurt or offended anyone. She was also full of joy, and she and Tito made such a cool, wonderful couple.

You played such a huge part in my life, Tita shella. I learned so much from you—how to care for a family, how to make wise decisions, and how to be understanding toward others. I know there were misunderstandings within our family before, but you forgave me, and for that, I am grateful. Once again, I am sorry if I ever let you and Tito down. I promise I will make it up to you and make you proud again.

Now, we will take care of Tito Manny, Steven, and Matthew. I will cherish everything you did for us and for our whole family. We love you so much, Tita. You are one of our greatest inspirations, and your memory will live on in our hearts forever maraming maraming salamat sa lahat! 🥹🙏 You will be so much missed tita shella Mahal na Mahal kanamin Tita! 🥹🕊️

Hi Tita, I hope you are in a peaceful and happy place. I hold so many memories with you—especially the times we spent together virtually and every you go here in the philippines. You’ve been one of my biggest inspirations, and it’s because of you that I keep pushing forward with my studies. 

There are words you shared that I still carry with me until now lessons in life. You were always so wise, and you handled everything with such calmness and grace. You always gave your very best for the well-being of our whole family. Back then, you were also one of my most trusted advisers; you always made time to teach and guide me. I deeply appreciated every moment, and I will never forget your kindness and patience.

Dear Zagada family,

I'm so sorry to hear of Shella’s unexpected passing. Shella and I met a few years ago when we started our doctoral studies and quickly became “accountability buddies” and friends. Our bi-weekly chats on Friday afternoons were something I always looked forward to. While these chats started out as a way to check in on our research progress, at some point they transitioned to talking about anything and everything… except our research! The last time I saw her (on Zoom), she told me she wasn’t feeling well, but in typical Shella fashion, she still had a smile on her face, and we were able to share some laughs. I hope that the love she had for you and the memories you shared help you through this difficult time. Shella was such a kind and compassionate person and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to get to know her. I will miss her and her laugh dearly.

Ate Shella was the first Filipina I met through the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) back in 2017. A leader in social work education, she was instrumental in helping us build the Filipino Canadian Social and Community Workers Network. We were just a group of friends! Over the years, I always looked forward to seeing her at our events or at the annual CASWE conference.

She and I have both been invested and interested in Filipino Canadian social work leadership and we have all been waiting for her day to finally complete the PhD. The photo I share here is from June 2025 when I defended my PhD - I was so happy to have Ate Shella celebrate with me and my family.

I along with members  of the FCSCWN mourn this immense loss. We hope to celebrate her life at the June 2026 CASWE conference gathering. Much love and big hugs to everyone who loved her dearly.

Beautiful smile  , A wonderful women  for my cousin Manny she dont give up their relationship

I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Shella, a cherished colleague, mentor and friend. We had many conversations about Kapwa, and how we all exist in an interconnected way with others and that our wellbeing is tied to collective wellbeing. She really embodied this value and this is something that I will take with me as I remember her impact.  To Shella’s beautiful family, I am so sorry she passed unexpectedly and I am holding you in my hearts during an undoubtedly difficult time.  It was so clear how much Shella loved her family and friends, especially Manny and her sons Steven and Matthew. Anyone who knew her was blessed to, including myself. She will be missed and remembered often.  

With love ❤️

Shella was a shining light in this world. I will always cherish my time working and learning with her. The love she put into the world will continue to have a positive ripple effect, I am sure.

I will miss your laughs, witty comments , heart to heart talks and funny birthday greetings  in our family group chat. 
You will remain  in our hearts forever..
May eternal rest grant unto you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

OBITUARY

Shella Quezada Zagada

July 23, 1972 – March 20, 2026

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

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