Brantford, Ont. woman remembered as beloved friend, sister and mother following fatal fire

CTV’s Jeff Pickel speaks with friends and family members mourning the loss of a Brantford woman who was killed in a fire.

People are remembering a Brantford, Ont. woman as a beloved mother and welcoming friend after she died in a fire on Monday.

“She’s always smiling,” Jeannie Winger, a family friend, said. “Always just a bright – always smiling. Just a beautiful person.”

Family and friends of 49-year-old Charlene Shellard are still trying to come to terms with her sudden loss. Shellard died in a fire at a Brantford townhouse complex on Buchanan Crescent.

The Brantford Police Service has confirmed one person has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in her death.

But for the people who knew her, a gaping hole remains.

“She would so anything for her children,” Winger explained. “Anything for her grandson. [She was] very rooted in family. [She was] very much just an all-around fantastic woman.”

Shellard had two children of her own and doted on her grandson.

“They’re a tight-knit family. They live side-by-each,” Winger, said. “It just speaks to Charlene’s true character and nurturing of being a perfect mother for those kids and that grandbaby. She would do anything for her family.”

“The people in the community loved my sister,” Tracey Shellard added. “Everybody at the transit knows her.”

Neighbours also remember Charlene as a woman who was willing to go out of her way to be kind.

“A lot of people live here in the complex and they don’t really talk to people,” neighbour Brandon Thomas said. “She always came over to say hi. She said hi to my son.”

While the investigation into her death continues, and with memories of the police tape blocking off the Shellard home still stark in their minds, the family is committed to remembering a woman who they said was willing to give anything to her family.

“We want the focus on Charlene. What a fantastic person she was. And to help her children moving forward and her grandchildren.”

An online fundraiser has been set up to help cover the unexpected funeral costs and help Charlene’s family navigate the difficult days ahead.

“The support she does deserve and is receiving will go to the kids and the grandchild. It’s very much appreciated. We appreciate the community during this difficult time for sure.”