On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Shantel Gillespie was found murdered in her apartment, just two days after completing her nursing degree and two weeks before Christmas.
The tragic loss of this vibrant young woman has left a deep void in her family and community. Shantel leaves behind three beautiful children, all under the age of six, who now face a future without their loving mother.
Shantel Gillespie was more than just a name; she was a beautiful soul with a heart full of love and a spirit full of determination. She was admired by everyone who knew her, not only for her infectious smile but for her resilience, unwavering work ethic, and compassionate nature.
Born and raised in Mandeville, Jamaica, Shantel carried the warmth of her homeland wherever she went. In 2014, she immigrated to the United States, determined to pursue a better life and a brighter future for herself and her children.
Shantel dedicated the last five years of her life to Boston Children’s Hospital, where she worked as a Clinical Assistant. Her role allowed her to touch the lives of countless patients and families, offering care and comfort to those in need. For Shantel, caring for others was not just a job; it was her calling.
After long shifts at the hospital, she would return home to her most important role—mother. Despite the exhaustion, she always found the time and energy to nurture and love her three young children. Shantel’s days were filled with selflessness, as she juggled work, motherhood, and her studies.
Over the years, Shantel tirelessly pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. Her decision to return to school was fueled by a singular goal: to create a better life for her children. She worked long hours while balancing classes, clinical rotations, and late-night study sessions.
There were sacrifices—missed meals, sleepless nights, and personal struggles—but Shantel never wavered in her commitment. She wanted to break the cycle of hardship, poverty, and domestic violence that had overshadowed parts of her life.
Her strength was evident in everything she did, and her perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew her. This week, Shantel’s years of hard work culminated in a moment of triumph: she completed all her coursework and was set to graduate from Laboure College of Healthcare with her nursing degree.
