Sharon Feltham (Kemp-Winnett), recently of Hanover, passed away on Saturday, July 25 in her home, just as she wished. This was after two challenging years following surgery for oral cancer. She was 80 years old.
Sharon was born to Thomas and Grace (Fletcher) Kemp on April 9, 1941 in Grimsby, ON to join her older brother Jerrold. A few years later the family was complete with the arrival of Carole. Thomas became ill and died when the children were young, and Grace later married Charles Winnett, who adopted all three children. In her youth, Sharon and her family lived in various parts of Ontario, primarily in the Hamilton area and she sometimes talked about her time and adventures at Albion Falls. At the age of 20, after leaving high school and working for a few years, Sharon joined the Canadian Air Force and was soon stationed to Metz, France where she met the love of her life, Gordon Feltham. Sharon and Gord were married January 18, 1963 and had two children (Robert and Sandra) in quick succession. Upon returning to Canada after Gord’s posting to St John’s Newfoundland, they welcomed twins (Scott and Darrell). Sharon and Gord moved a few more times before Gord left the military. He began work for Ontario Hydro, which meant a move to Kincardine, followed by another to Saugeen Shores before retiring.
Through all these moves, Sharon proved repeatedly that she was “wicked smart”. Her interests varied from showing dogs, making ceramics and stained glass, calligraphy, and finally spinning and weaving. Sharon always researched and taught herself the basics, and then continued to improve her knowledge and skills over time in each of these areas. Spinning and weaving were her life’s passion to her last day as she continued to think and talk of designs and patterns to create, even while her body was failing her and her ability to weave was no longer there. Her membership to the Pottawatomi Spinners and Weavers Guild was something she was very proud of and she delighted in being able to create exquisite woven items, sometimes with her own handspun fibers. Sharon was also an avid reader, and for many years kept a log of the novels she read – there were so many! She joined a book club in 1999 that met monthly to discuss books, and families, and life. Eventually the group skipped the novels and met for lunch in Kincardine where they were often mistaken for sisters. Lunch would be followed by billiards and libations. Sharon looked forward to these lunches and missed her friends when she wasn’t able to go any longer.
While Sharon enjoyed learning, creating and reading, her truest love was her family. Gord remained her greatest support to the very end, answering to her ringing bell to help with whatever she asked. Her children: Robert of Toronto, Sandra and Jon of Walkerton, Scott of BC, and Darrell and Michele of BC never doubted her love and support. Sharon adored her grandchildren; Kate, Zachary, Alexandra, Rein, and Samantha and was always delighted to spend time with any of them.
Sharon was predeceased by her father Thomas Kemp, stepfather Charles Winnett, mother Grace (Fletcher) Winnett, brother Jerrold Winnett, and sister Carole (Winnett) Swan.
Sharon is survived by her devoted husband Gord, children and grandchildren, many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and friends so close they became family.
Sharon will be missed for her unending patience and love for all the people that were part of her life. The principles, dedication, and standards by which she lived life was an inspiration to many of us, and will surely live on through us all.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Cards available at the Cameron’s (519-881-1273) Donations and condolences may also be made through Sharon’s memorial page.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sharon Feltham Sunday July 25th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Walkerton, Province: Ontario