Shahnaz Pestonji was a 71-year-old woman who was tragically stabbed in an unprovoked attack on July 17, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m. The incident occurred in a commercial parking lot located near Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East in Toronto. Her husband, Soli Pestonji, grew concerned when she did not return home from her regular grocery shopping, leading to a police visit delivering the devastating news of her attack.
Soli recalls the moment: “It was the worst time of my life. They said someone had stabbed her.” Despite immediate medical attention, Shahnaz succumbed to her injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital. The ongoing investigation has prompted Toronto police to search for a lone male suspect related to the incident.
The Pestonji family is now grappling with the immense grief stemming from the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Dina, Shahnaz’s daughter, emphasized the kind nature of her mother, describing her as “the most kind person, the least violent person you’ll ever meet.” She shared that Shahnaz’s spirit and smile were integral to her family, highlighting her mother’s innate ability to find joy even in difficult circumstances.
Shahnaz dedicated over 20 years of her life as a nurse at Sunnybrook Hospital, where her caring disposition positively impacted everyone around her. “(She) made sure that everyone was okay around her, that we were all taken care of,” said Dina, reflecting on the nurturing role Shahnaz played within the family. The couple had been married for 47 years, with Soli expressing his deep sense of gratitude: “I was truly blessed.”
The family fondly remembers Shahnaz as a person who brought light and laughter to their lives. "She always found the way to light things up for us,” Dina remarked, noting her mother’s optimism and joy. The family is trying to avoid focusing on the tragic details of her death, understanding that reconciling with such an act is inherently difficult. “We can only hope that person gets help, but not think about that at all,” Yasmin, another daughter, said.
Yasmin, who is expecting her second child, mourned that her mother will never meet her grandchild, which adds to the family's profound sorrow. “My mom is the second person who’s been able to feel the baby kick and that will never be taken away from us,” she stated, emphasizing the longstanding bond they shared. Together, the family seeks to honor Shahnaz’s memory as they reflect on the nearly 40 years of love they were privileged to receive from her.
As they grapple with their loss, the Pestonji family remains intent on carrying Shahnaz’s legacy forward, hoping to make her proud. “I hope we can make my mom as proud as we can and just honor her,” Yasmin concluded, highlighting the indelible impact Shahnaz had on their lives, and the collective aspiration to foster positivity in her memory.
