Michelle Henriques

Michelle passed away on February 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, which she faced with remarkable strength and grace. She was 45 years old, and though her time here feels far too short, the love she gave and the joy she created will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Michelle had a beautiful way of leaning into life, welcoming its adventures with excitement and facing its challenges with a calm strength that never wavered. She carried a warmth that filled the room before she even spoke and it was nearly impossible not to feel an instant connection to her. Her quick wit and infectious laughter brought comfort when you needed it most.

Education was one of Michelle’s passions. After earning her Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and her Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, she became an elementary school teacher - a role she was truly meant for. Her classroom was a place of warmth and belonging, where children felt safe, supported, and inspired to grow. She poured her whole heart into nurturing young minds, leaving a lasting imprint on every student who walked through her door.

Outside of work, Michelle’s playful spirit shone brightly. She loved competitive word games and never backed down from a challenge — especially if it meant outsmarting her family or friends. Karaoke was also always an option, whether at any gathering, the cottage or just a simple night in. While she was generous enough to share the mic, she was just as happy to claim it for the evening and in the words of one of her favorite bands, the Backstreet Boys, she was definitely “Larger than life”.

Above it all, Michelle’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Shawn, their treasured boys, Ashton and Emmett, her sister and brother in law Eunice & Arthur, her parents’ Lucile & Michael, and her niece and nephew, Bianca & Dexter. She was also adored by her in laws, Guilroy & Intia, Denver, Karishma and her nephews, Nathan & Tyler. Being a wife and mother was the role she held closest to her heart. Her family was her safe place, her proudest accomplishment, and her deepest love. Even through illness, her focus remained on creating memories, offering comfort, and reminding them through her words and actions, just how deeply they were loved.

Michelle faced her diagnosis with extraordinary courage. Even in the hardest moments, she chose hope. She chose gratitude. She chose kindness. In doing so, she showed all of us what true resilience looks like — not just in fighting illness, but in continuing to love, to laugh, and to care for others in the midst of it all. She reminded us that life is not measured simply in years, but in the love we give, the laughter we share, and the difference we make in the lives of those around us.

She often lived by the words of the great Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” and she embodied that spirit in everything she did. Michelle dared to love deeply, to teach with passion, to sing at the top of her lungs, and to live fully and fearlessly.

Today, we do not gather only to mourn her passing — we gather to celebrate the beautiful life she lived. We celebrate the warmth she brought into our lives, the strength she modeled for her family, the joy she shared so freely, and the countless lives she touched.

Michelle’s story does not end here. It lives on in Ashton and Emmett’s smiles, in Shawn’s enduring love, in the classrooms inspired by her example, and in every memory you have shared with her.

Rest peacefully, Michelle. You were deeply loved, and you will be forever missed.