Obituary for
Sharon Bernice Smith
I don’t know where to begin on memorializing such a spectacular person as Sharon, “the Mom” Smith.
Adopted in 1946, by William and Bernice Bell, in Toronto, ON, her incredible journey began. She enjoyed the outdoors from the beginning; I recall one of her jobs at a resort up north, where on her time off she enjoyed the lake and walking in the woods.
Eventually, Sharon took on the job of personal assistant in the engineering department of Shell Canada, where she met her soul mate, Doug, who swept her off her feet by sharpening his pencil by her desk, hourly, taking the opportunity to talk. They spent the last 50 years together as husband and wife and best friends, raising two kids and several pets along the way.
Sharon was a woman of many talents; loving Wife and Mom, teacher, real estate agent, antique business owner and operator, accomplished painter, quilter and had a green thumb.
Sharon was the best Mom; kind, encouraging, humorous and most of all taught us the importance of unconditional love. Which really, makes the world go around!
In the third chapter of Sharon’s life, she and Dad ran a hugely successful antique and giftware store in Gravenhurst, On “The Ditchburn House” for 25 years, where she touched many people with her talents, business savvy and keen eye.
4th chapter; She lived in Florida for the winters, making many more friends and memories. “Shelling with Sharon” on the beach was one of the favorites, along with cooking, restauranting (shout out to Abbey Road oysters and Dune Deck, oh and the Key Lime House)! gardening, walking with her ski poles lol, (Floridians got a chuckle out of that!), swimming and spending quality time with friends and family.
Last chapter; Glioblastoma, Brain cancer. She fought this disease stoically for 7 years, never wavering or giving up hope, she was truly an inspiration, taking things and enjoying life one day at a time. We have been told by the Doctors that Sharon was the longest know survivor of this disease in all of their records and trials, she was one determined lady!
We cannot thank the people who supported Sharon and the family though this journey enough. Dr. James Perry and his team at Sunnybrook, Odette Cancer Centre (Dr. H Soliman and Dr. H Ginsberg) are world class and have our deepest gratitude. Iraina and Denise, your unbelievable kindness over the years have been overwhelming to us and made Sharon’s hospital visits much easier. And countless others, thanks you!
The CCAC and the community care was exceptional, Kudos to you all! We would like to deeply thank; RN, Margo, you knew just what to do and say at the right time, thanks for preparing us…. with kindness. Sandy-RN, Dr. Yeu and all the gracious PSW’s, thank you, what a job you do! Florinda, you have a special place in our hearts, thank you!
With the help and guidance of the LHIN and ParaMed we were able to keep Sharon in her home till the end, where she passed peacefully in her husband’s arms, without you this would have been an impossible dream, thank you!
Friends, OMG, you have been so wonderful to us; before during and after! We take great comfort in your support. Thank you.
To Grandma; there couldn’t have been a better cheerleader, giving encouragement and sense of pride to us; we will always have you in our hearts and thoughts, Brett and Maddie, (her baby bird) XXOO
As I run out of tears, I just want to say, please remember Sharon in your own way and keep her in your heart, she loved us all and will be looking over us.
As she always said; be true to yourself and live with purpose and confidence. Thank you Mom!!
The Smith’s
Co-coordinators of the “Frosty’s” LOL
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sharon Bernice
Smith 1946 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario