Norma Ann Mary Sharpe

April 16, 1935 – March 25, 2017

Norma passed away peacefully in the early morning hours at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. She is remembered with deep love and affection by her husband of 60 years, William Stephen (‘Steve’) Sharpe, her children Greg (Janice), David (Debie), Stephanie (Harvey) and Jennifer (Stevan), grandchildren, Joshua (Aleksandra), Olivia (Jordan), Evan, Breanne (Joel), Ole (Sara), and Larissa. Norma is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Luca, Bodhi, Ruby, Gemma and Milo. Each of us has our own ‘most memorable’ moments of Norma; we will stir them up often with great fondness.

Norma and Steve shared nearly 61 years together happily raising a family of four children. Norma and Steve read together, enjoyed music together, prayed, worshipped and played together, serving those in their neighborhood, fellowship groups and churches selflessly and joyfully. Norma’s life revolved around teaching and serving, first her family and then those within her reach. She parented and grand-parented with warmth, affection, and sagacity; others watched and listened for Norma’s parenting wisdom and strategies.

Norma had a deep appreciation for classical music and sacred music in particular. She was a friend and mentor to many in choirs with whom she shared her faith and love for worship. There were many years of mid-week rehearsals, Sunday morning worship services, and summers at the Naramata Center where she sang and directed adult or children’s choirs. Her service to, and love for, the people with whom she sang was greatly appreciated; she had a profound impact on the spiritual lives of many. She will be missed by countless singers with whom she sang and for whom she provided direction and leadership

Norma was a teacher and loved teaching. Norma will be fondly remembered by her many teaching colleagues, the children, and parents she so lovingly and carefully served at the Delta School Readiness Program. She taught children with unique learning needs for many years at this school during which she also provided mentorship in the evenings and weekends to young parents to equipping them for the responsibilities of parenting.

The family would like to offer our thanks to the staff at Carrington Residences in Mission, B.C., for their care and support of Norma before she was hospitalized. We gratefully acknowledge the compassion, care and support offered by the nurses on Baker 2 (…thank you Cole et.al.) at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Thank you for taking care of our Norma..

A memorial gathering for friends and family will be held on Sunday, May 21st at 1:00 p.m. at Colebrook United Church (5441 – 125th St.,) in Surrey British Columbia with a reception to follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully acknowledged and received to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C., 300-828 West Eighth Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2.