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
22 Responses
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.
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”.