Sharon Lynn Andrews

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Sharon Lynn Andrews who was indeed a born leader. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Sharon was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Sharon knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Sharon was born on November 29, 1955 at Toronto North WesternHospital. Her parents were Fred and Mary Andrews. Sharon was raised in North York. Even as a youngster, Sharon learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Sharon was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Sharon was raised with four. She had one younger brother and three younger sisters. Sharon had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Sharon, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Sharon's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Sharon enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Sharon took part in dancing, swimming, skating and gymnastics. She growing up participated in Brownies, Girl Guides and Majorettes. In her spare time she liked reading, piano, twirling baton. Sharon's memorable achievements included, the enrichment program elementary school, public speaking grade 8, President of Woodbine Junior High Grade 9, Camp Councillor.

      In school, Sharon was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Sharon was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Sharon’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from George Vanier in 1974. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was probably english not math. In high school she was a Student Council Executive who lobbied hard to have the girls dress code modified.

      Sharon’s practical work ethic carried over into her university years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of university life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Sharon’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule on a few occasions. When Sharon saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her Bachelor of Journalism Honours.

      Sharon was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Sharon was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Sharon came to expect her high standards of performance. Through her school years Sharon was very good friends with Kelly, Donna, Daphne, Sylvia, Katie, Petra.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Sharon reveled in the security of her family. Matthew the Apostle, Oriole of Toronto. One of Sharon’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Sharon was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Sharon was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Sharon upheld her standards. In the second half of her working career her primary occupation was Insurance Agent. Sharon spent 17 years as Executive Assistant, Communication Assistant, Chief of Staff in Department of Health, Agriculture and Finance, before moving on to Sharon Andrews Insurance Agency Inc. where she was President. Sharon was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Sharon approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were traveling, reading and spending time supporting nieces and nephews. Sharon was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Sharon to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Sharon played gymnastics. In her university years, Sharon continued to stay active swimming. Recreational sports included curling, golf and swimming. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were gymnastics and figure skating.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Sharon liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Sharon was a member of the student council. In university Sharon joined the CKCU Radio Carleton Station as Publicity Director and Producer. Throughout her later years, Sharon was an active member of the of the Thornhill PC Riding Association.

      A civic-minded person, Sharon was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Sharon was active with the Ottawa Centre and Thornhill PC Riding Associations. During these years, Sharon applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Sharon. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. Growing up Sharon was a member of the St. Matthew the Apostle Oriole Anglican Church.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Sharon could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Sharon; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of her most prestigious awards included Best Public Affairs Show Radio Carleton, Silver Scroll State Farm, Certificate of Excellence State Farm, Toronto General Hospital Volunteer Appreciation.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Sharon used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Sharon had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations include England, Greece, Caribbean, San Diego, San Francisco, Florida, Cape Breton.

      Sharon was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Sharon’s favorites was Family poodle Beauty.

      Sharon passed away on July 29, 2022 at Sydney Nova Scotia. Sharon fought a brave battle against pneumonia. She is survived by her husband Darrell and her siblings;Kathleen, Rick(Kathy), Robyn(Joey), and Gayle(Scott). Services in Sydney, Curry Dignity Funeral Home, Kane Jarrett Funeral Home Toronto and at St. Matthew the Apostle Anglican Church. Sharon was laid to rest at the Resurrection Cemetery Sydney and York Cemetery Toronto.

      All who knew her would agree that Sharon was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Sharon Lynn Andrews did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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We the family sadly announce the passing of Sharon Lynn Andrews on Friday, July 29, 2022 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Born November 29,1955 in Toronto, Ontario. Sharon was the eldest daughter of Fred and Mary Andrews formerly of Sydney.

Sharon was a leader from the early stages of her life. She became President of her student council in High School, founding member of Radio Carleton at Carleton University, President as well as a volunteer for The Thornhill Riding Association, volunteer speaker at many Medical Transplantation fund raising events.

Sharon’s career achievements came as a result of her exceptional communication skills. Starting with her writing at the Canadian Nurse Magazine and then her interest in Canadian politics. Jumping to the Hill in Ottawa Sharon wrote many briefing notes and speeches for a Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and other Cabinet Ministers, ending her political career as Chief of Staff to The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada.

After politics Sharon started & successfully ran a prosperous insurance business.

Sharon is survived by her husband Darrell Heffernan and by her siblings; Kathleen, Rick (Kathy), Robyn (Joey), and Gayle (Scott).

To quote a dear friend of Sharon’s “Sharon was always gracious, kind, glad to see her friends and was always interested in their lives”. Sharon cherished each one of her nieces and nephews, who will miss her dearly. Sharon was a loving and guiding wife for nearly 40 years.

These were just some of Sharon’s wonderful endearing qualities.

We would also like to thank all the staff, especially the nurses and doctors in the ICU Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital who pulled out all the stops to extend Sharon’s life and make her passing dignified and comfortable. As well as the doctors at the Toronto General Hospital and her family doctor.

There will be a visitation at The T.W. Curry Dignity Memorial Funeral Home in Sydney on Sunday August 7, 2022 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a full funeral to be held in Toronto. Dates to be determined. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the UHN Transplant Unit, at UHN Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Please visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300.