Obituary of Sharon Strachan

February 22, 1941 – Toronto, Ontario

November 4, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Beloved wife, gentle mother, cherished grandmother

Compassionate nurse

Sharon Strachan peacefully turned her gaze from this world toward heaven in the evening of November 4th, 2023, with her family by her side. With her deep faith and trust in Jesus, Sharon’s life exemplified Philippians 4 verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”

Sharon was born on February 22, 1941, to Bill and Mary Bridge. Though she was raised in the big city of Toronto, every summer was spent with dear aunties and cousins doting on her at the farm in Kingsville; the privilege of being the youngest. She continued to pursue her education after high school and graduated from Toronto General Hospital’s Nursing Program in 1963, where she earned permanent employment in the Kidney Dialysis Unit for several years.

After a prearranged date with Bruce, a romance began to blossom, and they were married February 10, 1968, after four years of dating. Sharon’s nursing career became secondary while she devoted much care and attention to raising their two daughters in their Mississauga home on Hensall Street. Upon Bruce’s employment transfer to Calgary in 1983 with Great West Life, Sharon enjoyed a short stint in sales. However, her heart of compassion and care led her to renew her nursing license, where she then secured a position on Unit 59 at the Rockyview General Hospital for over fourteen years. Once Sharon retired from shift work, the most meaningful work of her nursing career began as she joined the staff at Bethany Chapel. As a parish nurse, she extended much love, grace, and comfort to those who were in challenging health situations.

In March 2003, Sharon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a journey which lasted over twenty years. Her strength of character with unmatched determination led her to a courageous fight against this debilitating disease. Participating in numerous clinical trials, from walking and dancing programs to supplements, she unwaveringly offered her time and energy to help ease the burden for others. Unfortunately, a fall in 2017, led her to live out her last six years at Age Care Glenmore. Despite her circumstances and lack of mobility, Sharon never complained, remaining truly patient, graceful, and full of joy.

As a family we extend a considerable amount of gratitude to the wonderful staff at AgeCare Glenmore, and steadfast friends that visited her faithfully throughout her last years. We are confident that she has regained the spring in her step as she walks the halls of heaven.

Sharon is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Bruce, her treasured daughters, Suzanne (Brian) and Heather (Howie); and cherished grandchildren, Caleb (Erika), Rebecca (Luke), Joshua (Shelby), Adam, Luke, and Kate.

We rejoice in her life well lived, her compassionate and humble spirit, strong yet quiet independence, incredible endurance, and deep faith. She will be dearly missed.

Psalm 27: 4 says “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.”

The family would like to invite you to A Celebration of Sharon’s Life, to be held at McInnis and Holloway Fish Creek Chapel on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. to honour her legacy. A light lunch reception will follow. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Sharon’s family here.

If friends so desire, in remembrance of Sharon, consider a gift filled shoebox or contribution to Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan's Purse, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary, AB, T3J 5H5, Phone: 800-663-6500 (toll free) Phone: 403-250-6565 (local) https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/operation-christmas-child-ways-to-give/

In living memory of Sharon Strachan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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