SHARPE, Norma Eleanor
February 17, 1922 to February 15, 2022
Norma Eleanor Sharpe (née Osgood) was born in Redcliff, Alberta on Feb.
17, 1922. Two days before her 100th birthday, Norma moved on in body but
not in cherished memory. She is re-united with her beloved husband, Paul,
who passed in 1975. Mom is also with her parents, Alfred and Viola Osgood
and her wonderful brothers, Gordon (Buzz) and Howard.
Norma was proud of being a veteran. She wrote the following recently for
students and others, to help them understand the life of those who served:
Dear Student: I am Norma (Osgood) Sharpe, a World War Two veteran, who
served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). I travelled across Canada from
the western prairies to eastern Canada in my early 20s, to serve our country after
the early passing of my father, Alfred Osgood, who was a WWI veteran. My
husband, (Eric) Paul Sharpe (deceased), whom I met while in service, was an
RCAF Flight Lieutenant who saw action oversees. He flew many aircraft,
including spitfires in Great Britain. I served in air traffic control, stationed in the
Eastern Maritimes in Canada. My younger brothers, (Gordon) “Buzz” Osgood
and Howard Osgood served for the Canadian army overseas (Italy, Holland)
during WWII and are now deceased.
I will be 100 years old on February 17, 2022. I have been living at the Irving
Kipnes Centre for Veterans since January 2021.
In May of 2021, I was honoured to be invited by the Netherlands Government
for a Dutch Liberation Day ceremony at our Kipnes Centre, thanking the
Canadian veterans of WWII. In November 2021, at our Canadian Remembrance
Day service, I was in the Colour Guard for the parade at our Kipnes Centre,
representing the Royal Canadian Air Force. These celebrations as tributes of
honour and appreciation for the sacrifices of Canadian veterans, have great
meaning for me, and bring joy to me at this stage of my life.
I have worked as an accountant, city administrator and university administrator
and have volunteered in many areas till my retirement. My work in the armed
forces taught me the value of ethical integrity and work for causes of social
justice and world peace. I pass these values on to my family and children of the
future.At the Kipnes Centre, I watch the changing seasons and the geese, rabbits and
other wildlife while I fondly reminisce about my life and my days of service
during WWII.
– Norma Sharpe
Remembering Norma’s illustrious life are her five children: Sydney (Don);
Noel; Natalie (Vernon), Frank (Marie) Leslie (Dougal); and her 10
grandchildren: Gabriel, Rielle (Jamie); Dylan, Rachel (Randy), Laura
(Jordan); Adrienne, Mercedes (Ossob); Stephanie (Shane), Jean-Paul
(Miriam); Karl (Chelsey). And her 10 great-grandchildren: James, Rasa;
James, Athena; Kevonte; Liam, Jeremy, Ashton; Jasper, Jonas.
She is also survived by her loving siblings Velma and Kaye; and nine
nephews, one niece and their families.
We are deeply grateful to the exceptional staff at the CapitalCare Kipnes
Centre for Veterans. Their humanity and devotion to Norma allowed Mom to
live her days in dignity and comfort. Prior to her final residence, Mom
enjoyed 10 years at Rosedale.
In lieu of flowers, Mom requests you give to the First Nations Peoples House
University of Alberta, or to the Dean of Students Bursary Fund or to the
charity of your choice.
Family and friends will meet in Redcliff in late June to celebrate Norma’s
extraordinary life.
When we hear the wind whisper our name,
we know it is Norma guiding our way.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Norma Sharpe 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta