1961 - 2023
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Shelly (Jay) Tousignant, 61, of N. Chelmsford, died of an unexpected medical condition on Saturday, January 14, 2023. She was the beloved wife of Leo P. Tousignant, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage.
Born in Lowell, MA, she was the daughter of Richard Jay of Lowell, and the late Anita (Kendick) Jay. Shelly graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1979, and earned her Associate’s Degree from Middlesex Community College. Shelly was a Risk Manager/Jack of all trades with the Marathon Staffing Agency of Tyngsboro, where she worked alongside her most cherished friends Tina and Colleen.
Shelly was an avid walker, walking the neighborhood each day with her beloved Anne. Rain, shine, darkness or snow, nothing could keep Shelly away from her walks. Shelly especially loved a long walk on the beach and oftentimes would brag about how many miles she walked; from the water tower in Salisbury, to the rocks in Seabrook and back. If you couldn’t keep up, she wouldn’t hesitate to leave you behind, often leaving Leo to have a beer with a friend he would see along the way and picking him up to walk hand and hand on the way back. Shelly loved the beach and shared her passion with her daughter and granddaughters. The beach held a special place in Shelly’s heart and when you find yourself missing her, you will feel her presence most on a sunny day with your feet in the sand, watching the waves.
Beyond all, Shelly’s greatest passion was her daughter Danielle. Her love for her daughter was unmatched, once even traveling to Australia. It only took one call from Danielle with a passing complaint about her dorm room and Shelly was on the next flight, after making sure Danielle had an upgraded room of course. Shelly never let Danielle forget how much she loved her; leaving long love letters on her pillow or showing up where she was to simply give her a snuggle. Shelly was steadfast in presence and her care for her daughter, her love was endless. She went out of her way to make her day brighter and her life easier.
Shelly’s devotion to her daughter shined even more brightly when she became a Nonnie. Shelly truly was made to be a grandmother. Her two granddaughters, Mila and Nora favored their beloved Nonnie, always choosing Nonnie for cuddles, hugs, and laughs over anyone else. Shelly’s greatest joy was spending time with her daughter and granddaughters. She spent most of her days with the girls, whether she was taking them shopping, cuddling or swimming at their pool, she always wanted to be around them. Shelly rarely went a day without seeing her girls, often popping by after work to give them a hug, a snack and probably secretly slipping them a 20 dollar bill. Her devotion to her girls was everything that she was and everything she ever wanted to be. She was simply the best Nonnie ever.
Shelly was a positive presence to all of those who were blessed to know her. Shelly never missed an opportunity to make sure those she loved knew it. She was always reaching out with kind words and loving gestures. No one ever felt less-than around Shelly and her selflessness and generosity spread far and wide. She would say that she loved you more than the sand on the beach, stars in the sky, blue M&M’s, and the beet salad from Burton’s. Shelly truly was sunshine and her positivity and her considerate nature were contagious. Her loss will be felt deeply by so many who knew and loved her.
Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Danielle Mcleod and her husband Michael of Dunstable; two granddaughters Mila and Nora McLeod, two sisters, Roslyn Karas and her husband Sumner of FL, and Laurie Miranda and her husband Jack of Tyngsboro; three brothers, Randy Jay and his wife Barbara of Franklin, MA, and Ronald Jay and Russell Jay, both of Chelmsford. Her sisters-in-love; Debra MacKenzie, Sharon Houle and husband Emile, Linda Lamarche, Mary Tousignant, Robin King and husband Wayne, Judy Gallagher and husband Jim, and brother-in-law Mark Tousignant. Her gal pals and their partners; Tina and Chris, Colleen and Scott, Stephanie and John, Sophia and John and Rosemary and John. Her second daughter Megan Ryan, her special person Edna, along with several nieces, nephews and many, many, many dear friends.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Private services to be held at a later date. Memorials in her name may be made to the charity of your choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA, 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Sandy Yurko
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“My heart aches for you and your family during this time. Your mother was such an amazing person and she will be truly missed, My condolences.”
Maryrose Murphy
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Murph and I are so very sorry for your loss?Shelly was such a beautiful person. Just not fair! Gone too soon. We are sending you love and strength to get you thru this stuff time. Our Condolences!
Judy & Jim
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My thoughts are with Leo, Danielle and Family. I know you are surrounded by a large family and support of great friends. Shelly will continue to watch over you all. ❤️ Long time friends Judy & Jim Winters❤️
Carrie S
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I am so sorry for your loss, Danielle. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and your dad during this difficult time. ?❤️
Debbie Bellegarde
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Shelly was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed by so many.Tom and I send our condolences. R.I.P my friend ❤️
Christine Pare
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Danielle, Mike, Leo, Mila & Nora,
Shelly was beautiful, fun & amazing. This is just not fair.. I can’t imagine what you are all going through. I’m so very sorry. Send hugs & love to you all xo
Christine Pare
Darlene, Danny, Kerianne, and Danielle
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We are at a loss of words to capture our sadness for Leo, Danielle, grands, and all family. Shelley was always a beam of sunshine, and her smile was so beautiful as was her beautiful caring heart! Rest in Peace our beautiful friend and neighbor! ❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?
Valerie and Joe Barbieri
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Dear Leo, Dani and family…. We were shocked and saddened to hear of Shelly’s sudden passing. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Her obituary is a beautiful tribute to her memory.
Lisa Kazanjian Griffiths
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Leo, my heart breaks for you. Shelly was the kindest and sweetest person… Always had a smile . God bless all of you.
Holly & Gitch
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The Tousignant family, we are so sorry to hear about Shelly. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel that was taken to soon in life. We will never forget you Shelly❤???
Damary Jacobs
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My heart and many prayers go to the Tousignant family and beloved friends. She was always so kind, and very caring. She is missed!
Robert DeMoura
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Leo & Danielle, ? Our hearts are broken ?
Memories last a lifetime ?? the DeMoura family
Rodney Elliott
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My sincere condolences to you Leo and your family on this tragic loss. I am sorry and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rodney
Rachel Baw
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My thoughts and prayers go out to Leo, Danielle, Mila and Nora and the rest of the family. I had the pleasure of working with Shelly for the past 14 years and I was so excited to met her when she came to Texas. She had the biggest heart and was such a sweetheart. I will miss her terribly but I will never forget her. I know you will be the best guardian angel among us all.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
~Amen~
Brian Cole
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Leo and family, Cathy and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Kendra
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Deepest condolences and continued prayers go to Leo, Danielle, family, and Shelly’s friends that were like family. Shelly was such an amazing person and she holds a special place in so many hearts. Our hearts collectively ache over the loss of someone so special.
Steve
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My heart aches for Leo, Danielle, Mike, Mila & Nora for their loss. Shelly had a way of touching the hearts of everyone she met and making them feel special, loved and needed. I will miss her every day for the rest of my days.
Rest in peace sweet Shelly.
Trudie
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Hi, many of you do not know me. I am friends with Mary Tousignant. I am so sorry for your loss, and all that knew her their loss too. ~Trudie
Sue and Paul LeLacheur
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Leo and family,
We can’t even imagine what you and your family are going through during this difficult time. Shelly was an amazing person. I have fun memories of her in my teens and we were lucky to see her this past summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larry and Carol Zaker
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We were devastated when we got the word. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We wish we were there to offer our condolences in person.
JANELLE MYRICK
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Dearest Shelly,
Such a joy and light to work with. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
You will be missed!
Marty Quinn
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Leo and family,
So sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Tasha Wigmore
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Danielle and Leo,
I am so sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing. I will always remember her positive energy as we kicked butt in softball. Sending you both and the rest of your family loving thoughts ♥️
Tasha
Paul
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Every time I spoke with Shelly her New England accent always made me smile. If I I had an issue she was right there to help and never made me feel like I was bothering her no matter what time of day it was. She will be missed greatly and my thoughts go out to her family and friends.
“Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Lynda Camplese
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My sincere condolences to you Leo and your family on this tragic loss. I cannot imagine what your going through right now. You have my deepest sympathy & unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage & lots of love at this time.
Tim,Megan,Marisa Kulis
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Leo,Danielle and family We were shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Shelly. May you cherish the memories you all made together and yes Shelly loved those walks on the beach! Rest In Peace .
Aldo D’Angelo
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Leo, Danielle my deepest sympathy and regrets it is never easy thoughts and prayers are with you
Alice and Ken Harkins
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Leo so sorry for your loss .she was a sweetheart and so are you and your family.
Alice and Ken Harkins
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Leo so sorry for your loss.
Chris Finnegan
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Leo, I’m so sorry for your loss. Shelly was a special lady. She touched the lives of everyone who was so blessed to have known her. May you always hold your infinite memories of her close to your heart. Shelly’s spirit will always be alive and felt by the heart. May she rest in peace and soar with the angels. God Bless
Kimberly Mcfadden
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Leo, Paul and I are so sorry for your loss. ??❤️
Maria Thompson
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My sincere condolences on the loss of your sweet Shelly. She was beautiful inside and out. Shelly was an angel on earth. I was so blessed we crossed paths, so long ago. My heart is broken. Keeping the entire family in my thoughts and prayers. Till we meet again my friend may you Rest in Peace.
Sharon Styman Lussier
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I was so devastated to hear about the passing of sweet Shelly. My condolences to the Jay family and Tousignant family. Growing up in Lowell, and being part of the Temple Beth-El community, all families were intertwined and the Styman & Jay families had many special bonds beginning with my Mom and Shelly’s Dad graduating high school together.
When I crossed paths with Shelly about a dozen years ago at Princeton Station, we didn’t need an introduction. We knew each other, but she was 5 years younger than me so I was just meeting her on a personal basis!! How sweet, kind, beautiful and special she was every time we crossed paths!! Just recently as I was battling cancer, from out of the blue I got a card from Shelly! I was so touched and we shared words through a personal message!! May her beautiful memory be a blessing to all her family!???
Kathleen Gallant
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Leo, Danielle & family , I’m so sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing, way to soon. I met her when she worked at Dr Conforti’s office, we were both pregnant at the same time. After our children were born, we had many play dates at our homes. Danielle, you don’t know me, but what a beautiful little girl you were, & now beautiful woman. My heart breaks for all who knew & loved her.Deepest condolences, Kathy Gallant
Kathleen Gallant
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Leo, Danielle & family , I’m so sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing, way to soon. I met her when she worked at Dr Conforti’s office, we were both pregnant at the same time. After our children were born, we had many play dates at our homes. Danielle, you don’t know me, but what a beautiful little girl you were, & now beautiful woman. My heart breaks for all who knew & loved her.Deepest condolences, Kathy
Joan Walters
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I will forever miss you my friend. I am so lucky to have been in your life.
Tom & Judy Machado
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Leo, Danielle and Family, Tommy and I send our deepest condolences. Upon reading the beautiful obituary about Shelly’s life, we commented on what a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother and friend she was to all. We do know the pain you are feeling and it’s a very heartbreaking time for all that knew Shelly and the family. We are thinking about you and may she RIP.
Kirby Milton
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LEO and Family, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your wife Shelly.
DIANE M MCCARTHY
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I am so sorry to hear about Shelly. I worked with her years ago at MVOA . Shelly was an awesome co worker and it was always a pleasure to hang out with her. Shelly was funny helpful and always there when someone needed her. My Thoughts and Prayers are with her Family right now , I know she will be missed by so many Family and Friends Shelly My Friend Rest In Peace Diane
DIANE M MCCARTHY
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I am so sorry to hear about Shelly. I worked with her years ago at MVOA . Shelly was an awesome co worker and it was always a pleasure to hang out with her. Shelly was funny helpful and always there when someone needed her. My Thoughts and Prayers are with her Family right now , I know she will be missed by so many Family and Friends Shelly My Friend Rest In Peace Diane
Billie Anne Casey
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David and I are so very sorry for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Laura
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Leo, Danielle, Michael, Mila, Nora and Family
– We are so heartbroken to hear of the loss of Shelly! Sending love and prayers!
Love,
Laura and Aaron Lewis
The Miranda Family
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May her memory be a blessing. Our kids loved her so much; she was always there checking on them when they played outside, offering popsicles during hot summer days.
Liz & EJ
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Leo and Danielle We were shocked and saddened to hear about Shelly. Many happy memories of Beech Street What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. Her shining personality will lives in your hearts. Our deepest sympathy?
Liz & EJ
Annmarie DiClemente
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Dear Danielle, my heart is so sad for you.
I have wonderful memories of you and your mom.
May she rest in peace…
Annmarie