STEP Magazine Staff
The community, along with her friends and family, is mourning the tragic loss of 26-year-old Shilan Shahbazian, a young Kurdish woman whose life was filled with dreams of a brighter future. Shilan came to Canada in search of safety and opportunity, carrying with her the hopes of her family and the resilience of her people. However, her journey ended in heartbreak when her body was recently recovered. While authorities do not suspect foul play, the pain of her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.
Shilan arrived in Canada less than two years ago, leaving behind a life shaped by both struggle and determination. She quickly became a cherished member of the Windsor community, working at Kim’s Nails and Spa on Tecumseh Road West. Those who met her remember her kindness, gentle spirit, and quiet strength in everything she did.
When she was last seen on January 4, 2025, her sudden disappearance left her family and friends desperate for answers. The community rallied around her, organizing searches and vigils, hoping she would be found safe. But as the days turned into weeks, uncertainty gave way to sorrow. Shilan’s family, still in Kurdistan-Iran, was unable to be by her side, suffering in silence and relying on the kindness of strangers in a faraway land to search for their daughter.
Her parents, Layla and Parviz, recall their last conversations with her, remembering how she spoke of her dreams—building a new life, supporting her loved ones, and making the most of the opportunities she had fought so hard to find. Her father remembers her laughter, a sound he never imagined would become his final memory of his daughter.
Though Shilan’s story ended in tragedy, her life was one of courage. Like many others who leave their homelands in search of a better future, she faced uncertainty, loneliness, and challenges that few will ever fully understand. Yet, she persevered—carving out a place for herself in a new country, forming friendships, and leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her.
The Windsor community and her family grieve for Shilan, but her story will not be forgotten. She is a reminder of the strength it takes to start over, the sacrifices made by so many who seek refuge and opportunity, and the importance of standing together in times of hardship. As we remember her, we also stand with her family, honouring her life by continuing to build a world where no one feels alone in their struggles.
We hope to respectfully return Shilan’s body to her family for a proper burial, though the cost of transportation may present challenges. We ask those who read this message to reach out and support this effort, helping her family say their final goodbye with the dignity and love she deserves.
Shilan’s light may have been dimmed too soon, but the love and memories she left behind will endure.
