Sharon Irene Awad

Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Sharon and her brother, Richard, were raised in a loving household by parents Lila (Wilson) and Willard Jones. Although they were a family of four, they were surrounded by a large extended family on both the Wilson and Jones sides. Tragically, Willard passed away at work from a heart attack when Sharon was only 16 years old. Lila, who had worked as a school teacher in the 1930s, re-entered the paid workforce as a single mother while Sharon was still in high school. Both the tragedy of suddenly losing her father and the experience of seeing her mother’s strength in taking charge of matters had profound impacts on Sharon, and were at the core of her lifelong commitment to her family and our wonderful home life.

Sharon finished high school and enrolled in the nursing program at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. She specialized in public health, and took a job with the City of Toronto after graduation. On Canada Day in 1965, at age 26, she met the love of her life – a 28-year-old immigrant doctor named Said Awad. Dad always said it took him until midnight to summon the courage to ask her to dance during the mixer party that evening. Sharon and Said were engaged after only six weeks, and married in December 1965, in Sarnia. The newlyweds lived initially in the Yorkville neighbourhood in Toronto.

Over the next 40 years, Sharon supported Said’s remarkable career in both clinical and academic medicine. They moved from Toronto, to London, to Kitchener; then to Queen’s University at Kingston and then in 1980, to Halifax and Dalhousie University. Said regularly acknowledged that he would not have been able to achieve what he achieved without Sharon’s support. He always said that meeting and marrying Sharon was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Sharon and Said were a marvellous team, complementing each other in every way. While Said was focused on teaching young doctors, practising medicine, research, and administering the Department of Urology, Sharon was dedicated to their children and to making their home warm and welcoming to all. Sharon hosted innumerable parties (for the neighbours, the church, golf friends, the Urology department, and bridge groups). She ensured that everything in their lives was perfectly organized and that friends and family always enjoyed incredible hospitality and felt valued. Sharon’s decorating of their home at Christmas was an awesome sight and something she took quiet pride in each year.

Although she was active and outgoing, Sharon also loved the peaceful moments at home. She was an excellent seamstress. She loved to read. She loved music. She was a fan of Symphony Nova Scotia. She was a member of the choir at All Saints’ Cathedral for over 30 years.

Sharon was a loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She had a great and positive impact on both of her children, and on their children, showing boundless generosity and affection. All of us will forever miss her warmth, compassion, love, and support.

Sharon is survived by her daughter Michelle (Jack Graham), son Brian (Catherine McKellar), grandchildren Paige (David Owens), Elias, Amelia, and Ephrem, step-grandchildren Hannah Graham (Gabriel Rose), John Graham (Alexa Normore), and Mac Graham, and step-great-grandchildren (Hadley and Campbell). Sharon was predeceased by her parents Lila and Willard, by her brother Richard, and by Said.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service and reception will take place at 3:00 p.m. on February 28, 2025 at the Cathedral Church of All Saints (1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the QE II Health Sciences Centre Foundation or to a charity of your choice.