Sharon May Olson (née Sparrow)

April 30, 1956 - May 1, 2023

April 30, 1956 - May 1, 2023

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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❤️

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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!

  9. Deepest condolences to Kris and family.

  10. 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

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