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
Dawn Young
Rita Mezzanotte
Alain, Axelle and family, I'm very sorry for your loss. Cheryl was such a lovely, caring and kind person. She always had a smile ready. I was so lucky to have had her touch my life.
I am so sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. We met through her work at CAIR, but we became fast friends and shared many lunches, chats, teas in her sun-porch, and even a couple of jewellery parties, long after her retirement. Her spirit, warmth, generousity and kindness was catching, and I will always remember that beautiful smile. She was a true friend and a ray of sunshine. I will miss her. My deepest condolences to Alain, Axelle and the family. Cheryl was well loved and loved well.