Chelsey Irene Elizabeth Tarnow
Chelsey Tarnow Obituary
Chelsey Irene Elizabeth Tarnow, 41, passed away on December 31, 2025, surrounded by love in her hometown of Salmon Arm, BC, after a brave and unwavering journey with cancer.
Born to Terry and Debbie Tarnow, Chelsey’s life was shaped by connection, movement, and a fierce heart. From her early years at SASS, to ringette and track & field at the University of Calgary, where she earned degrees in Kinesiology and Education, she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her path led her through many ways of caring for others- hairdressing, teaching cosmetology, and ultimately inspiring students as a Physical Education teacher.
Chelsey was a kind, gentle soul who lived with a “no regrets” spirit and loved every moment of life including music, travel, and life’s firsts. She was a profoundly loving daughter and sister, deeply supportive and protective of her brother Kerry, her lifelong best friend, and a true sister by heart to Alli. She met the man of her dreams, Samuel Grey at a concert and loved celebrating every day after with him. Together they welcomed their beloved son, Thomas, the brightest light of her life. Motherhood was her greatest joy and most cherished gift.
Chelsey was strong willed, tenacious, and humble, touching so many lives in a positive way. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Samuel Grey; son Thomas Tarnow; parents Terry and Debbie Tarnow: brother Kerry Tarnow (Alli). At her request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Chelsey’s beautiful life may contribute to an education fund created for her son, Thomas, a gift that carries her love forward.
Chelsey was an extraordinary force of nature, she lived for the day she wanted and dreamed of, never for the one that could be guaranteed. When cancer cruelly wrote itself into 8 years of her beautiful story, we feared for the struggle, she saw an opportunity to grow and persevere. In the face of unimaginable challenges and uncertainty she woke up every morning to welcome the day with unwavering bravery, spirit and grit. She chose to live every chapter of her life on this earth wholeheartedly, overflowing each moment with pure joy and never-ending adventure.
While every step along her path brought to light the incredible human, we knew Chelsey to be as a daughter, sister, wife, and friend, my favourite journey to see unfold was when she became a mother. Every amazing thing about who she was she poured back into her greatest joy, her son Thomas. She moved mountains to stay here with him as long as possible, which is why it felt important that any tribute to her feel everlasting.
In lieu of flowers, we have created an education fund as a way for those who wish to honour her life and legacy to contribute to the vibrant and magical future she dreamed so deeply for Thomas. Your love, kind words, cards and thoughtful deliveries have meant the world to us (and are more than enough), there is absolutely no expectation to give, this is simply a space for all those who have asked. We hope this offers a meaningful way for the love so many shared for her to become a gift she can pass on to Thomas in spirit, one that will continue to carry her strength and light into his life as he grows. To contribute, please visit: https://gofund.me/502636de2.
- To our girl who was made of pure magic | “Let your perseverance be like the ocean, steady, deep and endless”