March 23, 1941 - February 10, 2024
Sharon Deirdre Kelley was born on March 23, 1941 in Vancouver and died in her 82nd year on February 10, 2024 at her home in Gibsons. She passed away in the presence of her family after a short battle with cancer, bringing to a peaceful end a life distinguished by purpose, generosity, and devotion.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Gladys Davis. She was their first daughter, whom they raised in Port Mellon (the original Dog Patch) and Gibsons. She graduated from Elphinstone Secondary School in 1959.
She returned to Port Mellon for employment, taking a position with Canadian Forest Products. During the late 1960’s she was hired by Texaco and worked in Vancouver and Alberta. In the 1970’s she became an agent for London Life Insurance and retired as one of its top agents. She returned to the Sunshine Coast in 2008, building her dream house next door to her childhood home on Franklin Road.
Sharon was invigorated by adventure. She traveled internationally and was an avid skier and hiker. She also cherished community, and played vital roles supporting nonprofit organizations on the Sunshine Coast. These included the Gibsons Public Market (working on its inaugural funding campaign), Sunshine Coast Secret Santa (an annual donor), Dance Works Academy/Gibsons Dance Centre (a scholarship contributor for two decades), and the Gibsons Senior Society at Harmony Hall (an ever-enthusiastic volunteer).
Her many friends will miss her cherished presence, particularly Sherry (Sher), Anne, Bob and Theresa with whom she shared decades of memories.
Sharon was a lifelong advocate for animals, and deeply mourned the loss of her poodle Lily. Over recent years she treasured the companionship of Bentley, another loyal poodle.
She is survived by her sister and best friend, Penny-Lea Hudson, her nephew Sam (Flannery), her niece Zoe (Vance), her great nieces and nephews whom she adored, Summer, Aaliyah, Eva, Seth, Georgia, Ada, Madeline, Roland and Morgan and dear cousins Sylvia (Wayne), Raymond, Elizabeth, Patricia, Anne, Don, Tree, Cat, Fran, Sheena, Luke, Will, Ben, Mary, Peter, Paul, Yuko, Daniel, Tiqvah, Fiona, Malachi, Naomi, Havilah and Kevin.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the skillful doctors, nurses and home care aids who assisted in fulfilling Sharon's wishes in her final days. Thanks also to her dear friends Julianne and Susie, who provided support for Sharon and Bentley.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27th. All are welcome to attend. Please email [email protected] for details.
