Obituary of Chantal Leanne Walsh
The world has lost a bright light. We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Chantal on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Hospice Halifax. Born August 2nd, 1983 in Halifax, NS to parents Guy and Catherine Walsh, Chantal grew up in Waverley, NS and completed her education at Charles P. Allen High School, Bedford. She went on to attend The University of King’s College and graduated from Saint Mary’s University, with a BA in Psychology. Later Chantal attended Dalhousie University where she received a BSc in Health Promotion. Chantal continued in this field working as a Health Promotion Specialist with Child Safety Link at the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax. To know Chantal was to love her. She was one of a kind. Her creative flair and vibrant personality were infused throughout everything she endeavoured to do, whether it be fashion and jewellery consulting, professional development and leadership, hosting gatherings, and curating music to fit any occasion. Chantal experienced great joy in connecting with people and forged incredible friendships throughout her life. Her pleasant demeanour and curiosity for personal growth allowed her to build rapport with people from many walks of life. Chantal had a deep devotion to her three children, affectionately known as the “girl squad”, and she loved building new traditions, like Friday pizza -movie- night and keeping her girls connected to their heritage through attending French school and special visits to Cape Breton. While grieving the loss of her father Chantal received her cancer diagnosis, and so felt empowered to advocate for education and awareness around metastatic breast cancer.
Chantal is survived by her husband Raymond Symes; her infamous “girl squad”- Alexa, Audrey, and Fennelly; mother, Catherine; sisters, Stephanie and Kelsey; parents-in-law George & Janet Symes; brothers-in-law, Dwayne (Michelle), Dean (Lynnette), Ryan (Rebecca); and several nieces and nephews. Chantal is predeceased by her father Guy Walsh; paternal & maternal grandparents.
Special thanks to Dr. Drukker (oncologist) and nurse Mirela; the doctors and nurses of 3-IMCU at the QEII Hospital, and the healthcare team at Hospice Halifax who compassionately cared for Chantal in her final days. We are forever grateful for their support and kindness.
A Celebration of Chantal’s life and positive spirit will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd at the Sackawa Canoe Club, 159 First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville, 6pm-9pm. We will gather to share memories of Chantal and honour her love for music and good food. Donations in Chantal’s memory can be made to METAvivor, a non-profit organization supporting metastatic breast cancer education and research. Link:donate.metavivor.org/Chantal.
“The cure for anything is salt water- tears, sweat, or the sea.” -Isak Dinesen