Shahla Delong (Jafri)
December 10, 1955 to August 29, 2025
Obituary
It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Shahla Delong (Jafri) on August 29, 2025, in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Shahla is survived by her devoted husband Dan, her children Jeff (and family) and Nicole (and family), and her siblings Abbas Hassan, Zeeba Naqvi, and Syeda Jafri. She is predeceased by her parents, Mehdi Haider Jafri and Surayya Jafry.
Shahla was born in Pakistan. From an early age, she showed a spark of independence, determination, and joy for life. She attended the ‘Convent of Jesus and Mary’, a private boarding school in Murree, where she thrived in her studies and athletics. She often spoke with pride about attending boarding school.
In 1970, Shahla immigrated to Canada with her family, embracing her new home with resilience and curiosity. Soon after, she began working at Simpsons, where she met not only her beloved husband, Daniel Delong, but also lifelong friends—including Helga, May, and Nanson—who remained by her side throughout her life.
Shahla’s career took many forms, while she was devoted to continuous learning, her heart always belonged to travel. As a travel agent, customer service representative, and flight attendant, she found joy in discovering the world. Whether it be exploring new countries or planning the next trip, Shahla’s adventurous spirit never rested. She was always happiest with a suitcase ready by the door.
Shahla’s home was always a gathering place. The doors were open, the music turned up, and the kitchen alive with the smell of food. She was known for feeding everyone delicious meals and never allowing anyone to leave hungry. Holidays were her favourite occasion, but truthfully, she never needed a reason to host; any day could be a celebration when people were together in her home.
Her greatest love, was her family. Together, she and Dan raised two children, Jeff Delong (Phear) and Nicole Helka (Blake), who blessed her with five grandchildren: Liam, Daniel, Audrey, Madeline, and Xavier (Bubbaloo). Nothing brought her greater joy than time spent with them. She nurtured them with warmth, encouraged their dreams, and celebrated every step of their growth.
She was a kind-hearted woman, bursting with generosity and compassion. She knew exactly how to make someone feel special, and always placed others before herself. Spiritual, strong, and selfless, Shahla believed deeply in the power of giving. Though she always spoke of how fortunate she was, it was clear to everyone that the true blessing was knowing her.
Shahla’s legacy is one of love, adventure, and generosity. She leaves behind memories of open doors, abundant meals, heartfelt laughter, and an enduring spirit that will travel with us, always.
Sending love and strength…..missing our warm chats in Spaniards Bay….we will cherish our wonderful memories of her….Gina and Bruce❤️❤️❤️
We are still reeling from the loss. Shahla was such a wonderful friend and neighbour. We will remember her forever
Dear Nichole and family,
My sincere condolences on hearing sad news about your mother. I remember her as our ‘Chicago’s’ neighbour and we were always greeted with her beautiful, genuine smile and positive, spirited personality. She spoke proudly of you and through her, we were fortunate to have you in our friendship circle. I hope happy memories you’ve shared with her will give you the strength to heal.
Hugs from me, my family and everyone who had the pleasure to have worked with you.
Dan and family,
Sorry to hear of Shahla’s passing, may your many great memories help get you through this difficult time.
My deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of working with Shahla and she was a wonderful woman. She was so thoughtful and caring. I miss her very much. God bless Shahla and family 🙏.
Rest in peace my lovely friend, until we meet again 💖
Jeff and Family,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your mom, may the cherished memories bring you comfort in your time of sorrow and days ahead.
Jeff and family,
My sympathies and condolences on the passing of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May Sahla rest in peace and may you have the strength to bear this loss.
Jeff Phea and extended family. I would like to offer my heartfull condolences on the passing of Shahla.Words are hopelessly inadequate but you and your lovely family will find solace in your memories and the legacey of a life well lived.
Barbara Hickey
Jeff and family my deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of your dear mother.. Rest in peace my dear friend Shahla.
My dear Nicole and Jef, I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of your beloved mother.and still don’t believe it that she has left. She was not only my very close friend but also someone I admired deeply for her kindness, strength, and the love she shared with everyone around her. She always considered and used to say that I was her first and closest friend since her childhood. We first started knowing each other since 1959 when we were kids but then we lost contact of each other when she moved to Canada. It was some 9/10 years back that we made contact with each other again and then it was not looking back. I feel blessed to have shared so many cherished moments with her, and her memory will always remain alive in my heart. We were in touch and regularly exchanged messages on the Wattsapp. I got the last message from her on 22nd Aug and had replied too but kept waiting for her reply which alas never to come 😭
Please know that you are not alone in this grief—I share in your sorrow and stand with you in this difficult time. May God grant her a much better place in Heaven and give you and your family the courage and patience to bear this great loss.
I haven’t met you but your mother always talked to me about you and Jeff and I know how much she loved you.
It would now be my greatest desire to visit, one day, her final resting place to pay my deepest respects.
With deepest love and sympathy
Obaid Zia
Dan, Nicole, Jeff and Phear,
My deepest, deepest condolences on the passing of sweet Shahla. I’m still having a hard time processing this and trying to regulate my emotions, not easy at all.
As you can see from all her messages, and speaking on behalf of her colleagues, she was a very well loved and a very well respected coworker and friend.
My friendship with Shahla spans over 25 years but the memories will last forever. My time with her were always times of happiness, great conversations and joyous laughter. Lots of laughter. She was like a little spark plug full of positive energy and joy…..and such a great advice giver. I know her faith was strong and there’s no doubt in my mind there’s a beautiful place for her in heaven….God must have some great plans for her.
I hope your pain can be minimized, even if just a bit, knowing how wonderfully respected and loved Shahla was. Such a beautiful soul. Please stay connected and give each other comfort through this all.
“I’m going to really miss you sweet girl. . Until we meet again”. xoxoxo
Jeff,
As your mother gracefully reunites with her soul, I hope you find solace in your memories of her, and comfort in the arms of your family.
Jeff and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom,
I hope the beautiful memories you shared will never leave you, and I hope that brings you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Many prayers and hugs sent your way.
Jim and Sharon
Dan and family, we were so saddened to hear of Shahla’s sudden passing. Although we didn’t know you and Shahla very well, Linda and Shahla seemed to click as soon as they met. Shahla was like a little angel–so sweet and full of life. It was always so nice to see her. Although she was tiny her presence would lightt up a room . I’m sure her presence will always be felt by your family
Linda and Vic Doody
My heartfelt condolences on sad passing away of dear Shahla to Dan, Abbas, Zeba, Sayeda, her children and grand children. and all the relatives.
I had known her since she was young girl, her parents Suraya and Mehdhibhai were my dear friends.
May her soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.
Zebun aunty Ladak
To Shahla’s family
My deepest condolences to all of you. I worked with Shahla at Canjet. We love her. She was a kind hearted and a positive person. She will be missed forever . Rest in peace my angle Shahla until we meet again.
Jeff
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May the love of your family surrounding you and all your happy memories comfort you at this time.
My heartfelt condolences.
Yvonne Stanley
Dear Dan and family, Abbas, Zeeba, Syeda and families,
my deepest condolences to all of you on the very sad passing of your beloved Shahla. I remember her exactly as you describe her, friendly, hospitable and loving. May she rest in heavenly peace. and may you all find the strength to bear this loss. My prayers are with you all.
Romana (Ladak) Zafar
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . May you find strength in the love of those around you and comfort in the cherished memories that will live forever.
Dan & family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Shahla. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gord & Ann Oosterhof
Dear Nicole, and Jeff, please accept my deepest condolences on the sad passing of your beloved mother, Shahla. She was my dearest friend since our childhood, and her kindness and grace will always be remembered. May her soul be resting peacefully and God grant her eternal peace in Heaven and give you and your family strength in this difficult time.
Obaid Zia
Jeff and all your family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to her family
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Sharla. She was such a wonderful person to work with at Pedersen World Tours , RIP Sharla.
Jeff & family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. May your many happy memories help to comfort you as you journey through grief. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jeff and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all on the sudden loss of your mom, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
I hope you all find comfort in the wonderful memories and loving legacy she left behind.
I am sorry to see you go Shahla Apa. I’m glad we were able to smeet and peak in the last few years. Rest in Peace e. Allah Rahm.
My deepest condolences to Dan, Jeff, Nicole and the grandchildren.. I’m very sorry for this loss.
Marian, Amna, Joshua and Asghar
My condolences to the family and loved ones. Thanks for the great memories working with Shahla at CanJet Airlines. 💙✈️
Dan & family, I am so heartbroken to hear of Shahla’s passing, a complete shock to see the posting. My deepest condolences to all, she was a loyal friend & I will miss her bubbly personality. I was so looking forward to seeing you both in the next 3 weeks when I got back on the Island.
Hold dear her memories, she will be missed by many.