Survived by her husband, Charles; children, Carole (Patrick), Pamela (John), Derek (Joanna); grandchildren, Joseph, Benjamin, Charles; brother, David (Muriel) and sister, Lenora.
Sharon was born and raised in Vancouver. She met Charlie in 1953 as teenagers and they were inseparable until her death. Marriage was delayed until 1960 while they pursued educations in nursing and medicine. She graduated from St. Paul’s Hospital Nursing School in 1960 and was an operating room nurse from 1960-1962. Sharon and Charlie lived in Ghana, Africa from 1963-1965 while Charlie worked as a physician in a military hospital. They toured in Europe for several weeks in the middle of that time. Upon returning to Canada, Sharon was a stay-at-home Mom caring for her children and enjoying all of the friends they brought home with them. Once the children were grown, she returned to nursing, becoming Charlie’s office nurse until retirement in 2007. She volunteered for over 35 years at the Royal British Columbia Museum where she made many friends and significant contributions to the Museum archives. Sharon loved to cook and formed a gourmet group with like-minded friends in 1979. To this day, these friends still meet several times a year to sample new and varied menus from around the world. Her family was the most important element of Sharon’s life as she was of theirs. She spent the last four years of her life courageously battling cancer. She sadly lost her battle on July 8th. We all lost, but we will never forget her.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday, July 18, 2016 at 1:00 pm at The Church of St. John’s The Divine, 1611 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2L5.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
19 Responses
Dear Charles, MY very sincere condolences with the death of your wife. I was happy to see that she is a graduate of St.Paul’s School of Nursing. I worked as medical Director for 16 years at that excellent hospital. I admire your stay in China and no doubt you both were highly regarded workers. Sorry to learn that your wife died of cancer (like mine) and must have suffered. You will always be remembered as a dedicated, caring and capable physician. Unfortunately I am anymore in shape to attend the church service. My very best wishes for strength and support from your children. With many blessings sincerely yours, your colleague Embert Van Tilburg.
I am so sad to learn of Sharon’s passing and offer special thoughts and prayers to you her family. I was so pleased to have a visit with her last summer at a celebration of another of our classmates from St. Paul’s. We will have a lunch gathering on Thursday 21st and will toast her with our Memories and Love. She was a special lady. Blessings Lois McPherson.
Dear Carole (and Pat, Joe and Ben and all your family)
We were so sad to hear of your Mom’s loss to the terrible battle she fought so long and so bravely. She was an incredible woman, role model for her children and grandchildren, and an amazing contributor to her community. You will always take her with you in your heart, and I know she was so proud of you and your wonderful kids.
Linda and Brad
I was very sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. I was a patient of yours, Charles, for many years and got to know Sharon well as your nurse. She was very professional and welcoming. I missed you both after moving away from the area. You were fine people, and I do hope that you are doing well, Charles, and your family also.
Betty Lee Sinclair and John Nichol
July 17, 2016
We will always remember Sharon as the most enthusiastic tennis player, even playing with a broken wrist in a tournament. She served on the Board of the Oak Bay Tennis Club for many years as a dedicated member as well as player. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Joan Mogensen
July 16, 2016
I was saddened to hear that Sharon is no longer with us. My condolences to all the family.
I joined the docent museum school programme about six years after Sharon and remember being very impressed by her extensive knowledge, especially about the First Nations.
Over the years I learned how talented she was at many things. She was quite a multi-tasker.
She organized a wonderful pot-luck on one of our docent trips and I’ve never forgotten the wonderful wild rice salad she made.
For many years as I waited for a bus to the museum on Cadboro Bay Rd. at Vista Bay Rd. Sharon would come jogging up the hill.
She was intrepid and will be greatly missed.
Dear Ireland Family. I will so miss Sharon @ the museum. I last saw her @ the Mammoth Exhibit discussions where she had many ideas to offer. As her health appeared so precarious, I was encouraged by her amazing spirit. A very sad time for all who knew her. I will remeber her spirit & dedication to living, always.
Sharon held a special place in our son Colin’s life and we are saddened to hear of her passing. Our deepest condolences to all of her family.
Don & Mavis Newall
Howard and Jutta Woodland,
We have had the fortune to have been close to the Ireland family for many years. Each Boxing Day, Sharon’s party was a highlight in our year. She always shared her life with us. Her Home was a part of us. Her beautiful children are an example of her understanding of life.
Jutta and I are proud to have associated with the Ireland Family, and our hearts go out to Charlie,Carole,Pam and Derek