Sally Jane Fellows

Mum passed away on October 9th, 2024 peacefully and suddenly at her home in Cumberland B.C. Born the third and final daughter of Bruce and Catherine Carmichael, in Vancouver on April 24, 1945, Sally had a wonderful childhood and developed a fondness for animals, nature, being outside, artwork, painting, dancing and “playing”.

Throughout her 79 years she shared her childlike wonder with all those around her and she loved to laugh, her distinct cackle filled any room and was hers and hers alone. Sally attended Art College in Washington, then in 1965 married her love Dennis Pay, and started a family. Sally loved nothing more than being a Mum, and she sure was an incredible one! She gave birth to her first daughter Cory Lynn, and 2 years later her only son, Casey Donald.

A camping trip brought them to Denman Island in 1976, Sally and Dennis thought it was such a wonderful place to raise kids, they soon after became owners of an 80 acre farm. There they had their second daughter Melissa Maureen, and 2 years later, the youngest, Sarah Denys.

Sally truly loved Denman Island, always saying it felt like a “warm hug” as soon as she landed on the island. She had an insatiable appetite for seafood, fondly developed at a young age harvesting crab from the shores of White Rock with her parents. She especially loved the beaches of Denman Island where she would harvest, clams, oysters and crabs with her children. Sally greatly valued and appreciated Mother Earth, its beauty and its bounty in a spiritual way.

Sally and Dennis grew apart, and after years of solo life an old flame began to burn again, Sally moved to Nakusp, to be married to Brent Fellows. Sally helped to guide Brent’s spirit to the heavens after his battle with cancer, which brought her back towards Denman Island and Cumberland in 2016.

Sally was born a nurturer, conscientious to the Earth and the beings on it. She felt deeply connected to the moon phases, the stars and the ocean. Throughout the seasons of her life she was a creative artist, calling herself Salish Sal. She loved to garden, was a farmer, and bread baker who at times worked as a fitness instructor, real estate agent, care aide, and she also volunteered as a fire fighter on Denman Island. Sally was genuine, grateful, grounded, loving, fun, playful, magnetic, infectious, hilarious and definitely one-of-a-kind.

She brought joy, laughter, acceptance and comfort into the life of everyone whom she touched. She carried many dear lifelong relationships, she had energy that was magical and she lives on in all of our laughter, “Shine on beautiful”.

Sally is predeceased by her adoring parents, Bruce and Catherine, Brother-in-laws George and Ken, Sister-in-laws Valerie and Maureen, Dennis, father of her 4 children, and her loving husband Brent.

Survived by her sister Anne (John), sister Lynn, Daughter Cory, son Casey (Shannon), Daughter’s Melissa (Kennedy) and Sarah (Johnny), grandchildren Katie, Anthony (Chalayne), Marshall, Chloë, Ashlin, Brielle, Amaya and Javin, great granddaughter Elle and her dear Tom cat and so very many dear friends

If Sally’s joy touched you, please join us to celebrate her life, May 3rd, 2025, 3 pm at the Courtenay Legion on Cliffe Ave.

Just 1 week after her birthday, Sally wanted a “PARTY”, get ready to move, and be moved. Sally loved rainbows, come colourful and feel welcome to share your story of this magnificent woman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to Mars Wildlife Rescue on Vancouver Island.