At a Glance
- Shelly Sepulveda, a devoted New England Patriots fan, died of cancer on Jan. 26, 2024.
- She was given Super Bowl tickets by Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife on Jan. 14, 2024.
- The fundraiser for her funeral has raised $35,000 toward a $40,000 goal.
Why it matters: Her death came just hours after the Patriots secured a spot in the 2026 Super Bowl, underscoring the personal stories behind the sport.
Shelly Sepulveda, a neonatal ICU nurse and lifelong Patriots supporter, passed away early Monday, Jan. 26, after a two-year battle with cancer. Her death was announced by a GoFundMe page organized on behalf of her wife, Tami Sepulveda, and was reported by Boston 25.
The Tragic Loss
“We are heartbroken to share that Shelly has passed away last night at 1:51 am,” the GoFundMe page read. “She was a devoted wife to her wife, Tami, and an incredible mom to six wonderful kids who were the center of her world.”
The page added, “Shelly was deeply loved, and her loss has left an unimaginable hole in her family and in everyone who knew her.”
Tami posted a tribute on Facebook, writing, “My sweet angel passed away at 151am. Last night, she tried as hard as she could to stay here, she is a fighter and now our angel watching down on us. I’m just numb from pain.” She added, “It’s so hard, but I know how much she was loved! She was truly the best wife and mother and friend we will miss her so so very much. Rest in peace now Shelly, I Love you.”
Super Bowl Surprise
On Jan. 14, the Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft and his wife Dr. Dana Kraft surprised Sepulveda with tickets to the 2026 Super Bowl in San Francisco. The moment was captured in a video shared on the team’s X account.
In the clip, Sepulveda exclaimed, “Are you serious? … That means so much to me.” Kraft responded, “It’s our honor … You’re gonna beat it. I feel that,” adding, “You’re gonna be strong.”
The surprise came just hours before the Patriots clinched their place in the Super Bowl with a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
Legacy and Community
Sepulveda was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2024. She had spent her life giving back, fostering children who struggled with drug addiction and adopting five children with her wife. Her work as a neonatal ICU nurse earned her respect in the medical community.
Her funeral and memorial services will be funded by the GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised $35,000 toward a $40,000 goal. The page states, “We are asking for help during this incredibly difficult time to cover the costs of Shelly’s funeral and memorial services. Her passing was unexpected, and the financial burden has added so much stress to an already devastating loss.”
Fundraising Efforts
| Item | Amount Raised | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral & Memorial | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Total | $35,000 | $40,000 |
The fundraiser will cover expenses such as burial arrangements, memorial services, and related costs. The community has rallied to support Tami and the family during this painful time.
Key Takeaways
- Shelly Sepulveda’s death underscores the profound personal stories that intersect with major sporting events.
- The Patriots’ gesture of gifting Super Bowl tickets highlights the team’s connection to its fans.
- Community support through fundraising demonstrates the collective effort to honor those who have made a difference.
Shelly Sepulveda’s life and legacy remain a testament to compassion, dedication, and the enduring spirit of a devoted fan and caregiver.
