Sheliegha Louise Denise Penner

1982 - 2021

August 10, 1982 – June 6, 2021

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shayla Penner of Lake Helen Reserve, Ontario. Shayla passed on the morning of June 6, at home, with the love of her life Phil, sister-in-law Tanya and son Connor by her side. Shayla fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer for 5 years and passed away at the young age of 38. Shayla had a wild personality. She was the most friendly, outgoing, kind, hilarious person (but also stubborn and sometimes sassy). She had such a kind soul. She lit up a room. She could literally get along with anyone. Despite her kind attitude, she did say things very bluntly and did not always sugar coat. She had a contagious smile and a very loud laugh. She LOVED hard. She worked as a server for many years at Cousins and then the Nipigon Husky and loved the job and meeting new people. She was adventurous and often was found out at camp, on a boat, at a waterfalls, or on a hike with her love, her boys and her Lily. In the evenings, she could be found singing along to Phil's guitar sessions. Shay had a love for the Native Culture and the drum. She loved when her nephew Matthew came over with his drum, Little Feather. She found comfort in this. She was very crafty and took up crocheting and also made a few pairs of beautiful leather gloves. She remained so determined and positive over the last 5 years and did not let her diagnosis  bring her down. If you are wondering if you have ever met Shayla, then you probably didn't because you would most definitely know. Shayla left behind her grandmother Judith (Roy) Bertin, her father Tim Penner, her step-father Fred Copp, her loving partner Philip Wawia, her 4 boys, Brady Borg (Brooke Brizard), Connor Borg, Thomas Borg (Arowen Warder) and Jesse Rajala, her bonus kids, Cheyenne Wawia (TJ Atkinson), Savana Wawia (David Benson), Brandon Wawia (Rae McGuire) and Kylie Wawia, her bonus grandchildren Briella Benson, Layla Benson, Chanel McGuire, Kodi Wawia, Quillan Wawia, Kade Wawia, Ben Atkinson, Beau Atkinson, Bobby Atkinson and Barrett Atkinson, sisters Kennedy (Shawn) Gehl, Roberta Penner, Kayla Copp (Todd Child), Maureen Penner and Erin Penner and her fur baby Lily, her nieces Charissa Ratcliffe, Cassandra Eade, Sierra Gehl, Emma Gehl, Harley Gehl, nephews Peter Penner, Cameron Penner, Nolan Cox, Leland Lesperance and Jax Childs and her besties 1 and 2 and Sister Friend Ebony Blanchette. She is predeceased by her mother Camille Jewell Copp, her brother Brad Penner and nephew Tristan Gehl. According to Shayla's wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date, to be determined. Friends so wishing may make donations to the cancer centre at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Arrangements are in the care of Elliott Funeral Home Ltd., Nipigon.