Crystal Dawn Sheppard

It is with broken hearts and deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Crystal Dawn Sheppard on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at the age of 42 at the ICU at Western Memorial Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous health battle. To say we are heartbroken is an understatement as our lives will be changed forever.

Crystal was the devoted and proud mother of her son, Michael, who was her entire world and whom she loved with every beat of her heart. His very existence was her purpose for living and the reason she fought as long and hard as her body would allow. She was deeply cherished and will be forever missed by her loving mother, Lisa Lainey, whose world centered around caring for and loving her since the day she was born and whose heart will forever more have a missing piece. She will also be deeply missed by Gord Kennedy who was like a father to her and loved her like his own; her loving grandmother Mary Lainey who loved her first born grandchild with a special place in her heart that only a first grandchild can hold; uncles Danny Lainey and Draper Lainey, special cousins Kaylin and Charla, all of whom she loved so deeply; special aunt Marjorie whom she shared a special bond; special close family friend Karen Warr and many, many close family and friends.

She was predeceased by her grandfather Michael Lainey who no doubt will be waiting for her on the other side with the biggest hug as she was Poppy's girl; great grandparents Vince and Olive King; special cousin Scottie Walsh and many other family members.

Crystal spent the last thirteen years of her life with serious health issues that brought her many challenges and hard days but her love and devotion for her son Michael gave her the strength to fight each day until her last breath. Michael was her everything and he will forever know how much his mommy loved him and how hard she fought to stay with him. He was her greatest pride and joy and her most cherished accomplishment.

We the family would like to thank her doctor of many years Dr. Chris Whitten and his receptionist Wendy, Dr. Gould, the doctor in ICU and all the wonderful nurses of the ICU along with the RTs who showed Crystal such compassion and wonderful care during her final days and who were also so kind to the family at such a difficult time.

As per Crystal's wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will take place at a later date with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Ronald Macdonald House in St. John's or The Janeway Hospital.

Until we meet again our darling Crystal fly high with the angels. Your suffering and pain are no more and your work on earth is done. We love you and will keep your memory alive forever.

“A Mother's Promise"

Sleep peacefully, my darling one, 
Your journey here on earth is done. 
I carried you beneath my heart, 
And promised we would never part.
 Although the path has turned to gray,
 And taken you too soon away,
 My love remains, a steadfast light,
 To guide you through the endless night. 
Go rest with angels, pure and bright,
Bathed in eternal, loving light.
 Until I hold you once again, 
My love for you will never end.