SHARON RUTH MILAN

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SHARON RUTH MILAN (nee WIEBE) August 4, 1962 (54 years) Sharon passed away February 4, 2017 (World Cancer Day) at home with her family and God at her side. She truly was valiant in her battle with cancer. She will be deeply missed by her family, husband Kelly; children, Lauren, Heather and Bryan. Also, her parents Tony and Ruth Wiebe; father-in-law Bob Milan and partner Irene Haigh Gidora; sister Donna Heppner (Mike) and children Braydon, Jordon and Carla; brother Bryan Wiebe (Paula) and children, Mark (Katie), Scott, Savannah, Farren and Julia; uncle Paul and aunt Eva Lawrence; many cousins, uncles, aunts, and friends. She is predeceased by her mother-in-law Heather Milan. Sharon grew up and was happy living her life in East and North Kildonan. She graduated from River East Collegiate in 1980. She went on to gradually enroll in the School of Nursing at the Grace Hospital for six months. She realized nursing was not her calling and subsequently worked many years at the Health Sciences Centre as a unit clerk and for Dr. Vann (Urologist) and Dr. Bowie (Physical Medicine). In 1991, at age 29, Sharon courageously left the work force seeking a new career and attended the University of Manitoba earning her Physiotherapy degree by 1996. This was a huge achievement at that point in her life. Sharon was in a close knit physiotherapy class of 30 students, people she enjoyed and respected. Her physiotherapy school years were an important part of her past. Sharon met her husband Kelly in 1990 and they married in 1994. She loved physiotherapy and helping patients. She worked until their first daughter Lauren was born in 1997. She found her deepest passion, however, as a mother and homemaker until her passing. Sharon's main priority was to raise their children full time in keeping with her Christian values and teachings. They were further blessed to have Heather in 1998 and Bryan in 2000. Sharon's personality always shone through and was highly magnetic. She was always known for her outwardly friendly, positive and optimistic persona. She could start a happy conversation anytime and was comforting to her children when in need. She also had her principles and knew how to tactfully practice them. Sharon was very close with her immediate family. This has been especially valuable during her illness, but also it is part of her tremendous legacy. Her children are among her greatest legacies as they possess many of her qualities. Sharon cherished not only her children but her parents, siblings, in-laws, nephews and nieces and of course many friends. She taught her family that closeness and making memories is a key priority in life. Sharon led by example on how to face death with a terminal illness. Most importantly, however, she taught her family how to live. Sharon enlightened her family to aspects of their lives that they were unaware. Sharon truly led her family up a jagged mountain. Her family learned so many life skills from her unbelievable challenge and it strengthened her family and solidified their memories. Sharon's faith was certainly a pillar during her illness. Also knowing her legacy of Christian values and life skills left with her children was very comforting. She was thrilled to see her daughters pursuing post-secondary education, which was also among her key principles. Sharon believed in giving back to the community and most recently she was involved in the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Parent Advisory Council and a board member of Candace House. She deeply believed in the Candace House goal of seeking to create a place dedicated to meeting the needs of those affected by serious crime in the memory of Candace Derksen. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there and cherished the friendships she made. Sharon was determined to find a family cat, and she finally brought home precious Leo which has resulted in some wonderful memories, and helped the family through her illness. Sharon loved an impeccably organized home. She loved gardening and her precious hydrangeas, cooking and baking, bird watching, scrapbooking, stained glass and interior decorating. Without Sharon's support and guidance Kelly could never have pursued his full time career as a physiotherapist and clinic owner. Her encouraging and generous attitude also allowed Kelly to see patients full time, do administration and serve on various professional committees which was very challenging while raising three children. Sharon unconditionally helped Kelly through good and challenging times with the clinic and she deserves a major credit for the foundation she provided. Sharon was not an exerciser per se, but certainly had an active healthy lifestyle. She rarely sat down, pursuing her love of home and yard activities. Her exercise included vacuuming which was a frequent stress reliever. She always, however, participated willingly in cycling, downhill and nordic skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on vacations in order to be with her family and never got injured! Her favorite vacation place was Elkhorn Resort and Riding Mountain National Park. Sharon was an amazing woman who left an incredibly successful legacy and wonderful memories. She's in heaven now free of her illness and in eternal joy watching over her family. The family expresses their gratitude to the many healthcare providers at CancerCare MB, including Dr. Maksymiuk and his team for their exceptional care and compassion. Please donate generously to CancerCare MB in honour of Sharon. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, February 13, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at Eastview Community Church, 3500 De Vries Ave, East St. Paul. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME 204-885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2017