Sharon Mary Stephens

It is with tender hearts that we share the peaceful passing of our mom, Sharon Mary Stephens, on May 6, 2025, in the Palliative Care Unit at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Surrounded by love, she left this world as gracefully as she lived - full of warmth, kindness, and quiet courage.

Sharon was born on December 22, 1947, to Gladys and Harold Stephens and grew up in Burnaby, BC. She attended local schools, made lifelong friendships, and later married Bernie Lupichuk, who predeceased her. Life’s twists and turns brought both joys and challenges, and through it all, Sharon rose above with resilience and love, successfully raising her two daughters. Through peaceful moments and stormy seas, she embraced the lessons from all life adventures. She relished in the coastal experience and ultimately settled for a second time on Vancouver Island where she enjoyed a calm existence exploring spirituality, dance, music, and cruising through new and renewed friendships. A lifelong dream came true when she traveled to England to trace her family roots and soak in the history she so cherished.

Sharon will be remembered most for her gift of seeing the good in everyone and her genuinely kind, compassionate heart. She celebrated life generously with her time and love for others - whether over a delicious meal, a fine cup of tea, a thoughtful note, or a phone call that always seemed to arrive at just the right moment. She was a giving, radiant soul who surrounded herself with colour that represented both her inner and outward beauty.

Sharon leaves behind her loving daughters, Sasha and Jennifer; her wonderfully supportive sons-in-laws, Sandro Reffo and Rustam Punja; and her adored grandchildren, Connell Reffo, Joven Reffo, Tarek Punja, and Nadia Punja. She will be dearly missed by her younger brothers, Neil and Grant and beloved extended family. She leaves behind a cherished circle of friends who shared her joys and sorrows whereby they will forever hold her in their hearts. Though Sharon’s presence has faded from this world, her loving spirit flows like a gentle breeze through our gatherings, dances in the laughter we share, shapes the way we see the world, and guides our footsteps along the paths we travel.

A plaque within the beautiful cremation gardens at Yates Cemetery in Parksville, BC, will honour Sharon’s name and invite visitors to spend time contemplating her legacy of loving kindness as a remarkable mother, sister, daughter, friend, companion and important community member who gave her heart to this world.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation in support of Palliative Care - a cause close to Sharon’s heart.

https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

"All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you." ~Gregory Norbet