Sharon passed away peacefully after a long, courageous fight on May 1, 2023 in Victoria, BC. Predeceased by her father Ward and mother Joan, she is survived by her loving husband Phil, daughters Kris (Mike) and Andy, granddaughters Angelina and Aidyn, and brother Joe (Sherry). She will be greatly missed by her large extended family as well as by countless friends across Canada and the US.
Sharon was born on April 30, 1956 in Victoria, BC. She attended Mt. Doug and after graduation, worked in geriatric nursing as an LPN. Her second career came as a Payroll Specialist with the Victoria Police Department where she worked for over 25 years. Sharon was a proud public servant who was very well respected and was fully dedicated to giving the absolute best to her workplace.
Sharon and Phil met in high school and started dating in 1973, and were married in a beautiful ceremony in 1976. Children followed in 1979 and 1981. In addition to juggling a full-time job and a busy household, Sharon ensured she did not miss a single sports game for the girls and could always be found cheering and scorekeeping from the sidelines.
When Sharon retired in 2011, she picked up a tennis racquet for the first time and now it was her time to athletically shine. Despite being vertically challenged (her words), she immersed herself in the game and became a pint-sized force on the tennis court. She was Past President of Viewpoint Tennis Club, Arizona and was also a dedicated member and volunteer of Langford Tennis and Mill Bay Tennis where she made many friends. If there’s any doubt that you can’t pick up a skill or sport later in life, let Sharon be your inspiration!
Sharon was involved in so many other pursuits and could often be found playing cards or dice with friends. She was always willing to lend a hand – whether it be volunteering at the Red Cedar Cafe to improve food security in Greater Victoria, or as an executive member of the various organizations she was part of. She touched everyone with her humour, generosity and kindness and was beloved by so many. Her passing is an indescribable loss for her family and friends and she will be greatly missed.
The family wish to thank the entire VIHA Palliative Care team who provided such compassionate support, allowing Sharon’s family to care for her in the comfort of her own home. Gratitude is also extended to the incredible team at the BC Cancer Clinic (in particular, Dr. Wong), as well as Sharon’s GP, Dr. Tim McKay – thank you to all those who were part of Sharon’s journey.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 2:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s name may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation. Information can be found by clicking here.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kevin Worth
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GLORIA WALKER My DEEPEST SYMPATHY for your loss and I send my love and caring thoughts your way to support all of you through this time of sorrow. Sharon loved all of her family very much and was a very special friend of mine. It’s comforting to know she is in a happy and pain-free place now and I have no doubts that she has already begun working on getting tennis courts in heaven and a card table for us to continue our canasta games. Unquestionably she will always remain my “FOREVER FRIEND”.
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Donna McDowell Just returned home after being at Sharon’s celebration & farewell. So many wonderful stories. What a sweetheart. Ron & I thoroughly loved the service & the lighthearted message the speakers all spoke of. She surely was a treasure & will be missed dearly. Thinking of you all. Ron & Donna McDowell
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Ed and Judy DeWald We have been blessed for many years with the friendship of Sharon and Phil. We remember with big smiles, the times that we spent together. We are thankful that her time of suffering has ended, but sorely miss her. Our fondest condolences to Phil and their family. ❤️❤️
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Wes and Roselyn Craig Our Condolences Phil and family.
Although we haven’t met up in a while Sharon was an amazing person and will be missed by all.
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The Mainland Relatives We were very sad to hear. Our love & prayers for her family.
We remember cherished memories from yesteryear. From before life got complicated.
From when the mainland relatives would visit the Island relatives & the love, warmth & fun times would be enjoyed by all. Sharon was there, loving, kind & always giggling with her adorable mischievous grin!
Sharon you will be missed, our loss is heavens gain &
we know there are many already sharing so much love with you. Thanks for being you.
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Drew Sharon always treated people with respect and kindness. I worked with her some years ago and appreciated her warmth and good humour. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
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Judy Dupuis (Williams) I’m so sorry to hear of Sharons passing. I have so many wonderful memories with Sharon. I grew up on the corner of North Dairy & Aldridge until the age of 12. My childhood years are filled with Sharon, we did Highland dancing together, played on Snake Rock, Mt Tolmie & all around the neibourhood. I remember going to watch Joe play ball at Carnarvon Park & always getting candy. We lost touch when I moved unfortunately but its interesting how alike our lives were. I married in 1974, had two daughters, went into nursing & have 2 grandchildren.
My sincere condolences to your family. Sharon lives on in my heart.
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Jim and Joan Arnold Phil and family.
Sincere condolences on the passing of Sharon. May you find some comfort in knowing that others share your loss.
Jim and Joan Arnold
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Ryan Mullins To Kris and the rest of the family, my heartfelt condolences. Sharon was lovely human who always made me feel welcome and appreciated, one of her many super powers. I had the pleasure of volunteering with her at the Red Cedar and watching her glow with pride at the ball diamond cheering on her power duo of daughters. She will be sadly missed by all but she leaves an amazing legacy of love, respect and accomplishment.
Love,
Ryan
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Sue Cooper Dear Phil, Kris, Andie and Joe, I’m so deeply saddened to read of Sharon’s passing, please accept my deepest condolences, know you are all in my heart and prayers.
Being friends from our teen years, we shared many happy times. Jobs Daughters and DeMolay gave us a common bond, some structure and a whole lot of fun.
As young women, newly married, Sharon and I soon had families. Sharon and I spent countless nights and weekends together with the 4 kids while you guys curled two nights a week and bonspieled many weekends. It was really a great time.
We all curled evening mixed league at JDF, us girls were more interested in socializing than curling, it was our big night out on the town!
Over time, as often happens our families drifted apart, hey. life gets busy! But I will always cherish my time with you and Sharon. I treasure my memories of Sharon.
My love to you all, Sue Cooper ( formerly Phair).
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Marylou Eastman Dear Phil and Family
Rick and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.
We loved sharing special memories with you and Sharon on our trips to Victoria
Sharon will be lovingly remembered for her warm smile and the beautiful person she was inside and out
Thinking of you with lots of love at this sad time
Mary Lou and Rick Eastman
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Jill Torney Deepest Condolences to your family. I had the wonderful privilege to work closely with Sharon at VIC PD. We quickly became friends. We bonded over our mutual love of Baan Thai and had lunch there regularly and talked about everything under the sun but mostly about you, her family who she loved fiercely. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jill Torney
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Susan Sutherland To Phil, Kris and Andy,
We worked with Sharon for many years at the Victoria Police Dept. She was a wonderful co-worker and friend and will be missed. You have wonderful memories and we hope they carry you through this difficult time. Thinking of you all. Jim and Susan Sutherland
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Chris Langdon My thoughts & prayers are with you Sharon. RIP my friend as I know you are in a better place now. So sorry Phil & family as I know she suffered the last couple years & know how much she meant to me. She was the past president at Viewpoint Tennis club where I have been for the last 25 years now. She was my liaison for the club & helped me so much, by always checking in with me to ensure great communication & understanding was always there with the club/me and my staff. In loving memory❤️
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Richard & Terry Parsons We were Honoured to be in Viewpoint in lieu of Sharon and Phil this past winter and truly felt included by the family members in VP. Our sincere condolences go out to Phil and all the family as you deal with this huge hole in your lives. I enjoyed my conversation with Sharon prior to our trip back to VP. We truly appreciated the kindness extended to us there.
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Ron and Barb Lane It is known that great things come in small packages. Sharon was truly an impact on everyone who knew her.
Our blessing came at View Point AZ. She made people feel important as this was her zest in life.
We had so much fun with tennis, organizing team parties, playing King Gin, even having painting lessons on her driveway for at least twelve eager learners.
Sharon always found a way to include so many people in activities and friendship.
We feel honored to have been able to share moments with Sharon.
Stars will twinkle because Sharon is remembered so dearly.
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Marilyn and Bruce Comeau Our condolences to Phil and family. We shared many laughs and chats during our 12 years on the same street in VP. Sharon will be dearly missed by all that knew her. RIP Tennis Queen.
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Mike & Gail Murphy We have lost a fun loving, strong woman. What an inspiration for all who knew her.
I will miss her smile, wonderful laugh but most of all I will miss her friendship.
Our condolences to Phil, Kris, Andy , the Grandgirls, Joe & Sherry. Also to all Sharon’s Canadian & US Friends.
The Viewpoint & Mill Bay Tennis Clubs will miss her greatly.
RIP our Friend Sharon.
Until we meet again.
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Patrick and Nancy Cueto Our hearts are lifted because of Sharon along with Phil, and Family. Sharon was such an inspiration to both Nancy and I. We will always cherish the kindness that she bestowed with us, and we will carry on the things she instilled in us, and pass on her love of life with others as she did onto us. Prayers to all the Family and all our Friends from the U. S. and Canada and Viewpoint teammates and Friends. Our condolences go out to all that were lucky enough to know such a special Sharon, Phil, and Family!
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Art and Cheryl Farquharson Deepest condolences to Kris and family.
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Diane Bedard Kris and family…
May your beautiful momma be at peace and free of her pain.
Comfort and laughter will return when memories bubble up, as if out of nowhere…and you will feel and remember her love of life and family.
Sending love,
Maya
I worked with Sharon at the Victoria Police Department for about 19 years. She was a great colleague, always helpful, with a great sense of humour. Imagine my surprise as I attended her wonderful Celebration of Life last week and saw her birthdate on the screen, noting she was one year younger than me. Then a speaker mentioned she lived on Carman Street, blocks from my own childhood home. She went to my schools – Lansdowne and Mt Doug. I learned there that her maiden name was Sparrow. I just checked my yearbooks. We went to school together. I never knew it. Perhaps she didn’t either. In 19 years at the PD, it never came up.
Condolences to her grieving family, who spoke so well of her – especially the final speaker – her little granddaughter.