Wife and son attend Super Bowl in honor of late Medway woman

Shelly Sepulveda lost her battle with ovarian cancer just before the big game

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The wife and son of Shelly Sepulveda, a Medway woman who died less than two weeks before she could attend the Super Bowl, went to the big game Sunday in her honor. Sepulveda had been gifted Super Bowl tickets by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft after he learned about her bucket list, but she passed away shortly after the Patriots secured their trip to Super Bowl LX. Her wife Tami and son Tyler made the emotional journey to the San Francisco Bay Area to attend the game together, holding Shelly's picture in the air for all to see.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of community, generosity, and fulfilling bucket list dreams, even in the face of tragedy. Shelly Sepulveda was celebrated in her community as a former NICU nurse, foster mom, and adoptive mom, and her family's ability to honor her memory at the Super Bowl is a heartwarming moment.

The details

Shelly Sepulveda, a Medway nurse, had been battling ovarian cancer for two years. Just before the Super Bowl, Patriots owner Robert Kraft invited her to the team's wild card game and surprised her with tickets to the big game, fulfilling a bucket list item. However, Shelly passed away just hours after the Patriots secured their trip to the Super Bowl. Her wife Tami and son Tyler attended the game in her honor, holding Shelly's picture in the air throughout the event.

  • Shelly Sepulveda received the Super Bowl tickets from Robert Kraft shortly before the Patriots' wild card game.
  • Shelly Sepulveda passed away less than two weeks before the Super Bowl.
  • Tami and Tyler Sepulveda attended Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Shelly Sepulveda

A Medway nurse who was battling ovarian cancer and had the Super Bowl on her bucket list.

Tami Sepulveda

Shelly's wife, who attended the Super Bowl in her honor.

Tyler Sepulveda

Shelly's son, who attended the Super Bowl in her honor.

Robert Kraft

The owner of the New England Patriots, who gifted Shelly Sepulveda Super Bowl tickets.

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What they’re saying

“Shelly was ecstatic when she got those tickets. I've never seen her so happy in my whole life. To have her so happy, so close to the end of her life, because it's just been so hard for two years... we were so thankful to Mr. Kraft.”

— Tami Sepulveda, Shelly's wife (Boston 25 News)

“Just surreal to be here. I feel Shelly all around. I feel her presence. I know she'd be so happy.”

— Tami Sepulveda, Shelly's wife (Boston 25 News)

“I wish Shelly could be here. I really do. I'm going to watch it for Shelly.”

— Tyler Sepulveda, Shelly's son (Boston 25 News)

The takeaway

This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and fulfilling our dreams, even in the face of adversity. Shelly Sepulveda's legacy of compassion and community service will live on through the memories and experiences of her loved ones, who were able to honor her at the Super Bowl despite her tragic passing.