Karen Lynne Sharp

My mother, Karen Lynne Sharp, passed away peacefully in Parksville, British Columbia, on May 17, 2025. She was born in Amarillo, Texas, on the Fourth of July—a suitable beginning for a woman who lived life with independence and a spark all her own.

Mom was a deeply spiritual and generous person, raised in the Lutheran tradition, though her own beliefs and practices grew beyond any one faith. She truly lived from the heart—generous and giving. She found joy in helping others, whether it was through her volunteer work with environmental and religious organizations, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in need.

She was a loving mother to me, a proud mother-in-law to my husband Peter, and an utterly devoted grandmother to my son, Finn. The bond between her and Finn was pure, unconditional love.

Some of my most cherished memories with her are watching her and Finn feed the deer that visited her house and our hikes through Neck Point Park. She loved the wild beauty of the shoreline and always made time with Finn to stop and visit the Fairy houses tucked among the trees. Those quiet walks, full of wonder and conversation, are moments I will carry with me forever.

For over 30 years, she was a successful business owner and hair stylist. Her career wasn’t just about beauty—it was about healing, too. She had a passion for helping those experiencing hair loss, offering education, support, and dignity to so many. Her work touched lives far beyond the salon chair.

Mom lived life on her own terms. She was resilient and determined, having weathered many storms in her life. She had a curious heart and a deep love of nature. She hiked often, collected seashells with reverence and joy, and cultivated beautiful living spaces full of plants and light. Her passion for gardening and interior design was more than a hobby—it was an extension of how she nurtured beauty and peace in the world around her.

She was also a lifelong letter-writer and nurtured friendships that spanned decades and continents. Her thoughtfulness lived in those letters, in every carefully chosen word and card.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Mildred and Lawrence Sharp; her brother, Wesley Sharp; and her nephew, Michael Sprouse. In addition to me, Kerry, my husband Peter and her beloved grandson Finn, she leaves behind her nieces, Maria Lineker and Angela Douglas; sister, Melinda Douglas; and all of us who loved her deeply—family, friends, and the many she touched in both quiet and powerful ways.

During her prolonged cancer treatment, my mother received an outpouring of love and kindness. I want to express heartfelt gratitude to the friends who called, wrote, and visited. Your support brought her comfort, laughter, and light in some of her most challenging times. We are forever thankful.

We are also deeply thankful to the palliative care team at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and the extraordinary staff and volunteers at the Oceanside Hospice at Trillium Lodge. Your compassion and care made an immeasurable difference.

There will be no formal service, as per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local hospice organization in her memory.

There is a quote that describes her perfectly:

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears the beat of a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” – Henry David Thoreau

Mom marched to that beat. And those of us who loved her are so grateful that we got to dance alongside her.

She will be greatly missed.