Cheryl Pellerin passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 10th,2026.
Cheryl was a force of nature: a woman of determination, loyalty, strength and unmistakable style. Born on May 16th,1943, in Charlottetown, P.E.I and raised in Montreal, Cheryl enjoyed living life throughout the world. Together with Alain, her beloved husband of 56 years, they spent 15 years on various military postings around Europe.
Known for her passion, humour and hosting a wonderful dinner party, Cheryl was always welcoming to everyone. She would also stop to make many friends throughout her adventures.
Cheryl and Alain shared a life full of joy, laughter and adventure. Whether living in Germany, Belgium or Italy, they embraced the culture and the people. They were quick to make lifelong friends with whom they shared many of life joys. Cheryl was also totally in her element hosting many delicious, outstanding dinners with multiple courses, different cuisines and fabulous music.
A devoted mother, Cheryl was a guiding force in her daughter Axelle’s life. They shared a special bond often speaking several times a day and setting out on multiple adventures together. She was a trusted mentor and confidant to her daughter and would always be there to cheer Axelle on no matter what she was pursuing. Cheryl was so happy to share in the joy of planning Axelle’s wedding to her husband Trevor a few years ago.
More recently Cheryl was overjoyed to become a grandmother and spoil Poppy, Colton and William with her love and share her love of chocolate with them.
Cheryl dedicated her professional life to medical education as the executive director of the Canadian Association of Interns and Residents for 17 years. She took such pride in playing her role in the future of medicine and helping mentor many young resident physicians. Many of the residents became like her second family and she continued to follow along their lives and success.
Cheryl was a dedicated member of her extended family and never missed a birthday or a holiday. She took care to personally ensure everyone was included and felt loved.
Cheryl was a loyal and cherished friend to many, known for her generosity, good company and humour.
Whilst Cheryl recently faced multiple health challenges, she was determined to get better and regain her strength to continue to share in all of life’s joys and adventures.
Cheryl’s family would like to thank the following: Dr. Breau and his Urology team, Dr. Kyeremanteng, and the Intensive Care Unit at the General Campus for their care of Cheryl and their compassion. Special thank you’s go to the many special nurses who comforted and cared for Cheryl in her final days including Cara, Elizabeth and Paige – you all have left a lasting memory for her family. The resident physicians who went above and beyond for Cheryl and Alain, Drs Coriaty, Paco, Gaoud, Hansra and Skead. Finally, to Donna, the wonderful social worker who took such great care of Cheryl’s family while she was in the ICU.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation to the Ottawa Humane Society, The Perley Health Foundation or to the Urology Residency Education (please reach out Axelle for details)
Friends and family are invited to assemble and celebrate Cheryl’s life on Thursday February 19th at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held at 13 hrs followed by a reception.
Digital Guestbook
Roona Sinha
Tamara and Mahmut Tuerker (Munich)
Dear Alain, Axelle,
our heartfelt condolences!
We're saddened by the news.. our heart goes out to you and the family during this difficult time. She will be strongly missed... Tamara & Mahmut
Yvonne Hair
My thoughts are with Alain, Axelle and family during this difficult and sad time.
Cheryl was caring, generous and fun. Always a true friend.
I will always have wonderful memories of her: our coffee get-togethers on her porch, our Dairy Queen pop-ins for chicken salad followed by chocolate-covered icecream, and our trips to Almonte.
A very special friend. You will be greatly missed.
Jon and Kerry Vance
We are so sad for you, Alain, Axelle and your whole family. Cheryl was a vibrant, positive force in this world and such a a great partner with Alain. Can’t think of a more dynamic and kind couple who were friends to so many. We loved Cheryl and will miss her.
Rani and David M
Cheryl was a trusted mentor and a true friend — generous, kind, and deeply caring. Her gracious spirit touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Time spent with her at CAIR and long after reflected the joy and warmth she brought to those around her. Her beautiful smile and radiant spirit will never be forgotten. I will miss her dearly. Our deepest condolences to Alain, Axelle, and family.
Rhonda Trish Sandi Kristin Robert
As colleagues of Cheryl from across the country, we deeply appreciated her advocacy for residents at the national level and valued her as a collaborator who was always easy to work with and consistently full of positive energy. Nationally, she actively sought opportunities to work with the provinces and to explore how, where appropriate, CAIR (RDoC) could support and strengthen provincial efforts.
Most importantly for all of us was Cheryl’s remarkable ability to be a consummate host, both professionally and personally — whether in hotel boardrooms, at dinners in restaurants across the country, or at times in her own home with Alain, Mr. Brown, and an assortment of other animals.
From our different corners of the country, we will each raise a glass to Cheryl — knowing as we do how much she appreciated good wine and good food.
She will be deeply missed by many, including each of us.
Rhonda Trowell (Ontario), Patricia Penton (Newfoundland), Sandi Carew (Maritimes), Kristin Johnson (Saskatchewan), Dr. Robert Conn (Ontario)
Shelagh Kennett
All my love to you Alain, Axelle and all Cheryl's family and friends. We started kindergarten together 77 years ago. Although our lives took different paths we always found moments to reconnect. She was a one-of-a-kind friend full of joy and kindness. I am blessed with the memories. My thoughts will be with you on Thursday from the West Coast in Victoria. May you find comfort surrounded by all the love of so many she blessed with her life.
Shelagh Kennett
Valerie Strike
So sorry for you and your families loss. I met your mom at William's second Birthday Party..such a lovely lady. She put up a good fight!
Stuart Maskell
I was so very sad to hear of Cheryl’s passing.
Cheryl was a great friend and huge supporter of my work for over a decade. She worked hard to help make sure that my work was recognized during the pandemic and led the way for my nomination of the King Charles III medal - I’ll be forever grateful this.
Cheryl worked hard in the gym every time she showed up. She NEVER gave up!
My deepest condolences to Alain. Cheryl will be missed dearly.
Ian Brodie
Alain and Axelle I am very sorry to be missing the ceremony for dearest Cheryl, of whom I only have the happiest memories of her inspiring smile. I have the both of you and her spirit in my prayers.
Cheryl was such a kind and generous mentor and friend. She was forever steering young resident physicians in the right direction and helping us learn how to be politically correct while still getting stuff done. She had such a wealth of wisdom and helped shape the face of medicine in Canada through her dedication as CAIR Executive Director. I will miss her dearly and I know that those of us who knew her will continue to take her teachings to heart.