Sharon Ashburner

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts, that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, mother, aunt and devoted friend, Sharon Ashburner, at her home on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the age of 68.

Sharon was an extraordinary person whose kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on anyone who ever had the pleasure of being in her company.

Sharon was born to Michael and Margaret Peacock on October 12, 1957 in Ringstead, UK, a quintessential country-side village, where she grew up with her sister Wendy, 20 months her junior. The quaint town would provide creative inspiration for Sharon who, as a child, conjured many magical stories filled with unicorns, dragons and princesses, that would beguile Wendy before bedtime.

During her childhood and teen years, Sharon excelled academically and in sports, becoming her school’s top athlete. She relished the challenges of school life, immersing herself in the worlds of literature, art and humanities. It was during this time that her skills and talents as an artist began to emerge, though they would remain with her throughout her life.

Being the well-rounded individual she was, Sharon knew that one could not live on academic and artistic pursuits alone, and in 1974 she caught the eye of a young and gifted mathematician and computer expert, Feroze (Fe) Ashburner. Fe and Sharon formed an instant and inseparable connection and it was obvious to everyone around them that they had found their soul mates in one another.

Fe and Sharon continued to pursue their academic studies and establish their careers in England, Sharon studying art history at Bristol and Fe studying mathematics at Aston.

Upon completion of their studies, Fe and Sharon settled in Birmingham and were married on July 25, 1981.

Never lacking in motivation nor a sense of adventure, their lives took a change of direction when Fe was recruited by Ontario Hydro. They moved to Canada in 1982 where they built a lifetime of friendships, first in Deep River, then Alliston, then finally settling in Toronto.

With their careers and a strong social circle now firmly established, it was time to focus on the next important chapter in their life: building a family. On April 16, 1983 they welcomed their son, Adi Feroze Ashburner. A few years later, on November 12, 1985, their daughter Margaret was introduced to the world, completing their family unit.

Now fully settled in their new home country and their family intact, Fe and Sharon went about building the type of life and relationship that others strive towards.

Sharon continued to study the art of jewelry making and took great pleasure in participating in numerous markets and shows over the years, building a loyal fan base. She also developed her love of cooking and baking and became known for the elaborate birthday cakes she would bake and decorate for her friends and family. It was just one of the many ways she showed her love.

Despite her fear of flying, she and Fe become accomplished globe trotters, with annual trips to Mexico, along with once-in-a-lifetime adventures in Cyprus, Italy, France, Spain, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Portugal and most recently, Japan.

Sharon was also a dedicated companion to cats. First there was Pepper, who did not inherit Sharon’s kindness, but was fiercely loyal to her. Then came Maeby, a social and curious kitty who sadly passed over the rainbow bridge in January 2026 after 18 years on earth, the majority of those spent nesting on Sharon’s lap.

Sharon loved her family and friends dearly and she is missed greatly by them all.

Sharon is survived by her husband Fe, daughter Margaret (Nick), sister Wendy (Ian), niece Fiona (Dan) and her cherished and beloved grand niece Xanthe and grand nephew Theo. She is predeceased by her son Adi and her parents Michael and Margaret.

A drop-in Celebration of Life will be held at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home and Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, on Thursday, March 5 from 4 – 6 p.m. The family wishes guest to know that formal black attire is not required. Please come as you are. Also, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Sharon to the Toronto Cat Rescue or The 519.