SHARON STERN

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SHARON STERN May 11, 1953 - December 10, 2013 We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of Sharon Stern on December 10, 2013. Those who loved her will miss her deeply, including her three children Melanie Rushton, Morris Stern and Joseph Stern; her father George Sokal; her sister Gina (Sokal) Sherrit; her brother Wayne Sokal; her son-in-law Tony Oliveira; her close friend and confidant Steve Bigelow; as well as her beloved dog, Piper. Sharon's close girlfriends - Mary Jane, Mandy and Jasso - will also profoundly feel her absence. Her husband Norman Stern, to whom she was married for 20 years, as well as her mother Anne Sokal, predeceased Sharon. In Sharon's 60 years on this earth, she lived a big, big life. She possessed a style, beauty and presence that turned heads when she walked into a room. But beneath the glamour, she was one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people you could ever meet. To call Sharon a "people person" would be an understatement. She drew her energy from others and was the life of any celebration. To be in the company of Sharon was always something special. Those who knew her well will remember a warm woman who was always there to listen without judgment, give advice or just be a shoulder to cry on. Sharon was born in Winnipeg. She attended the University of Manitoba where she studied Political Science. She married Alan Rushton in 1972 and had their daughter Melanie. She moved to British Columbia to operate a hotel with her second husband, Fred Reeves, where she made the business a huge tourist attraction and a fabulous success. She later moved back to Winnipeg where she helped run the St. Charles Country Club. Sharon, now single again, met her husband Norman in 1980. It was love at first sight. They married and had two boys, Morris and Joseph. Sharon was deeply devoted to her husband and children. She was always there for them, supporting and encouraging them in every endeavor they had. Her confidence and can-do attitude were infectious; once she started a project, she saw it through to the very end. She pushed those closest to her to do the same. Sharon was an adventurer - a lover of life who was always up for anything. She travelled the world extensively, but no place she visited could match her favourite: Her cottage at West Hawk Lake, MB. There, she found a paradise she felt was home. Sharon loved nature and animals, especially her pet pooch, Piper. Her love for living things came from her parents. Her dad taught her to nurture the growth of a tree and her mom instilled in her a passion for gardening - skills Sharon was proud of. Her biggest sources of pride, however, were her children Melanie, Morris and Joey. They take comfort knowing their mother is at peace. A celebration of Sharon's life took place at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg on December 12, 2013. She was laid to rest at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. It's obvious that Sharon meant as much to her friends and family as they meant to her. She will eternally live on in their hearts. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Winnipeg Humane Society, or to a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014