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SHARON TAYLOR-HENLEY
Born: Jun 08, 1952
Date of Passing: Aug 17, 2020
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SHARON TAYLOR-HENLEY
June 8, 1952 – August 17, 2020
Sharon was born in Montreal to late parents, William and Marion (Campbell) Taylor. She leaves her partner of 45 years, Dick Henley, and daughter Kate Henley (Thomas Janssen). She grew up in and around Minto, New Brunswick. She attained an Arts degree from St. Thomas University and an MSW from the Maritime School of Social Work, Dalhousie University before heading to Western Canada to begin her career in social work.
She learned her craft as a frontline worker in the employ of Indian Affairs in Thompson, Manitoba; as a hospital social worker and then a social worker for the City of Winnipeg Welfare Department; and as a social worker for the Children's Aid Society (CAS) of Metropolitan Toronto, where she also did time as a community organizer (Sharon called it her time as a "paid malcontent"). One of her supervisors remarked that she had great assessment skills. Her later university teaching was always grounded in these real life social work practice experiences.
But this Toronto sojourn also began her life in trade union activism. Sharon became an important player (chief negotiator) in the successful drive to organize everyone who worked for the CAS into a single bargaining unit affiliated with CUPE. The highlight of that campaign came when, after a fiery speech, Sharon invited everyone in attendance at the annual meeting of the CAS to join her in a mass walkout in support of the workers. She was making her mark on Toronto, so her friends there were astonished when she informed them she was leaving the city to go back to Winnipeg.
Sharon was lured away by the opportunity to work for the First Nations Confederacy (FNC), headquartered in Winnipeg, to advise on matters of child welfare policy. In the immediate post-Charter period, child welfare was a matter of early jurisdictional negotiation on the path to Aboriginal self-governance. Sharon was interviewed in Ottawa by a panel of Manitoba Chiefs and she always claimed she won the job because she knew what a band resolution was; she had a lot to learn. It marked the beginning of a strong bond that developed between herself and First Nations people, one of mutual affection and respect.
Housed at FNC was a pioneer educational program to prepare First Nations students for jobs as community child care administrators. The University of Manitoba ran the certificate program that employed instructors and students at centres throughout the province. When the coordinator of the First Nations Child and Family Services Certificate Program left the position, Sharon was convinced to take up the challenging task of bringing the program to a successful conclusion for a whole host of interested parties and, most important to her, for the students.
After the closing of that program, Sharon was employed first as a sessional instructor and then as an Assistant Professor at the Winnipeg Education Centre (WEC), an off-campus social work program for less advantaged people in the inner city. She remained there for the next eight years.
Two years into her position at WEC, Kate "came to Winnipeg" (as her grandmother put it) and Sharon did everything to ensure that her daughter had every opportunity to express herself. Kate excelled at everything she undertook and brought great delight to her mother. Sharon was looking forward with great joy to Kate's wedding planned for next year.
Of course, Sharon recognized that she would need a PhD if she were to ever properly address her standing in the university. So off she went, pre-schooler in hand, to begin the course component of the program at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Not long after that sabbatical year, she won a competition for a tenure track position on campus.
With teaching and research obligations, a kid in elementary school, and living with a partner who worked out of town half the time, Sharon somehow managed to become active in her new trade union, the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA). Throughout much of her academic career, Sharon served UMFA in a variety of capacities, including as the union's Treasurer during the strike of 1995. One of her colleagues marveled at her cool and collected manner as she negotiated a large union loan, noting, "Big numbers don't scare her." One of her great regrets was that she never had the opportunity to be the president of UMFA.
Towards the end of the 1990s, Sharon developed symptoms and, after a few years of testing, was ultimately diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, an untreatable degenerative condition. Sharon somehow summoned the energy to carry on, earning her doctorate and Associate Professor status along the way.
Sharon made important contributions in teaching, and especially in increasing the role of historical scholarship in social work. Her research contributions included the development of an understanding of the emergent organizational forms for First Nations child welfare in relation to provincial authorities, and of urban Indigenous planning for gerontological services. She also supervised many graduate theses and practica. She retired in 2017 after over 30 years of service to the University of Manitoba.
At the time of her death, independence remained her primary life goal. Thank you to Ronnie and Catherine, and special thanks to Clarence Morancie and Loretta Ross for their assistance in this regard.
Sharon will be missed by Dick, Kate, her east coast families and special cousins, Jill and Judy. She will be remembered as a courageous and determined fighter, and a reliable and respected friend.
Sharon's final voluntary activity was to serve as the treasurer of her church and it is in the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church that a memorial service to celebrate Sharon's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3. Her ashes will be scattered privately by her family. Alterna Cremation in care of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, financial contributions can be made in Sharon's name to the Esther Seidl Scholarship, an educational fund through the Faculty of Social Work, that Sharon helped set up in memory of her friend, or any other worthy recipient.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2020
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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Dear Dick, Kate and Thomas, We recently heard of Sharon's death and are so sorry. I know it is well after the fact but nevertheless, offer our sympathy and love. You will be adjusting to life without your wife and mother. Please take good care, Mary and Hector Therrien - Posted by: Mary Johnston Therrien (friend) on: Jun 26, 2023
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Sorry to read about Sharon, prayers for family and friends. - Posted by: susan veres (school mate) on: Jan 22, 2021
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Dear Dick, We are sorry to hear the sad news of Sharon’s death. Sharon was a strong and courageous lady. I know how much you and Kate loved and cared for her. Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with you and your family at this difficult time. May AlMighty Allah place the departed soul in peace and Grant her the highest place in the heavens and give you courage to bear this heavy loss - Amen - Posted by: Amjad Malik (BUNTEP - colleague ) on: Sep 03, 2020
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Dick (and Kate), we offer our profound sympathies on your loss. I first met Sharon during her time at FNC. I will never forget an incident which occurred on a winter Monday morning during that time; a day when a number of us gathered to attend a meeting. One of our colleagues was a person whose weekends sometimes included socializing in ways that included over-indulgence of alcohol, and this person was (apparently) still experiencing the after-effects of the weekend. Sharon’s hair was still a bit damp from a morning shower when she arrived, and she commented that she needed to ‘dry out’. Our colleague, still experiencing the aftermath of his weekend, responded with a heartfelt, “I know what you mean”. By the way our colleague was holding his head, it was clear that he had misunderstood. Sharon and I looked at each other; she winked, but said nothing. This is but one example of her kindness, compassion and sense of humour, shared out of a belief that to some degree we live on by the memories we leave behind. Bert and Martha Crocker - Posted by: Bert Crocker (Friend and former colleague) on: Sep 01, 2020
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Dick & Kate: So sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. I have many great memories of her from our time together at the Winnipeg Education Centre and later at the Faculty. I especially enjoyed being a part of the research team with her (and Pete & Sid) on a large project we did with Southeast Tribal Council. I learned much from her and will cherish her memory. My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Denis Bracken (Colleague) on: Aug 31, 2020
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Our very sincere condolences to you, Dick and Kate, from Sharon's "Morell Cousins" - Janet, Ruth, Richard, Alton and Mary - and our families. - Posted by: Janet Drost (Cousin) on: Aug 31, 2020
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Hi Dick, I sympathize with your loss, Sharon was a special lady. I never knew that we had similar experiences in SW. I taught SW at University for a while in my "spare time" I worked for years in CAS & the description "paid malcontent" rings a bell. I worked with the Inuit people in arctic Quebec for 2 memorable years. I worked as a hospital/health care SWer. The best & happiest moments of "Social School" are of Friday evenings at the old Grad House....somewhere in a basement on South St. I know that you will remember sitting in pleasant surroundings with a cast of characters that included Sharon, Dick, Dave, Mac, Marg, Alexis, Pauline, Gary, Shirley, Paul, Gisele, John et al. We shared experiences of young adulthood as we were starting out on our journey . Today I feel sad & a little older. Sometimes in life we lose track of important others. If one lives on by the memories one leaves behind, then Sharon continues to walk amongst us. If you wish to say hello I am at ericgbrownie@yahoo.ca......take care buddy. Eric - Posted by: Eric G. Brown (friend) on: Aug 30, 2020
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Dick, my friend, so sorry to learn that Sharon has passed. My condolences to you and Kate. Like Sisyphus, she pushed the rock up the mountain, but unlike Sisyphus she pushed it to the top. Sharon was a very accomplished person which, I am sure, is a great source of consolation for you both. Her struggle in life was a model for all of us. Stay strong! Neil - Posted by: Neil McDonald (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2020
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For many years I served alongside Sharon on the University of Manitoba Faculty Association's Executive Committee and also its Board of Representatives. Sharon's outstanding contributions to UMFA (including her role during the 1995 strike) were formally recognized in 2006 when she received the Canadian Association of University Teachers Dedicated Service Award and the Roy Vogt Memorial Award for Exceptionally Meritorious Service. My condolences Sharon's family and friends. - Posted by: Jay Goldstein (Former colleague) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Kate, your mother was such an accomplished women and mother and you should be very proud of her. We are always here for you when you need us. Love Willie and Gisle - Posted by: Gisele Janssen (future mother in law) on: Aug 29, 2020
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An amazing, admirable woman in every respect. Many happy memories of being Sharon's friend for nearly 40 years. Terribly missed. - Posted by: Allan Torbitt (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2020
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I send my condolences to Sharon’s family, particularly Dick and Kate. Sharon was a great colleague, concerned about others and with strong social justice understanding and passion. I will miss her incisive analysis, her humour and concern for her colleagues and happenings at the University. She will be missed by many. - Posted by: Tuula Heinonen (Colleague and friend) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Sharon was my instructor in the late 80’s. I remember her as lovely, always well dressed, and so knowledgeable. She had such a strong commitment to teaching and learning. She was warm and funny and encouraging to new social workers. I am so sorry to hear of her physical struggles. My condolences to her family and friends. Rest In Peace Sharon. - Posted by: Shirley Rodecker (Student) on: Aug 29, 2020
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My heartfelt condolences to Dick, Kate and all of Sharon's family and friends. The story of her incredible accomplishments and inspirational strength and courage has touched me deeply. May God wrap His loving arms around you all in this time of grief. - Posted by: Sally Fowler (Friend of Dick Henley) on: Aug 29, 2020
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So sorry to hear about your loss of Sharon. Please take care of yourself Dick and know that we are thinking of you at this time. Rick and Julie - Posted by: julia reid (friend of family) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Sharon...a force of nature, one of the most accomplished, determined and kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. She will always be admired for so many reasons and qualities by so many people, myself included; her life was so full of meaning, compassion, strength and resilience. Thank you Sharon, for all the good things that you stood and fought for. RIP. To Dick and to Kate, my deepest condolences. Hugs. - Posted by: Tania Henley (Sister-in-law by marriage) on: Aug 29, 2020
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"a courageous and determined fighter" Indeed! I met Sharon in 1998 when I began working at the Faculty of Social Work. It was quickly apparent to me that she was a strong and determined woman, a true feminist. She was the first person to take me to the Faculty Club for lunch so that we could connect. She was a true social work role model in the way that she advocated for Inner City students and programs, and for her graduate students. But I will mostly remember how proud she was of Kate, and Kate's chosen path in life. - Posted by: Brenda Bacon (Colleague) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Dick, my sincere condolences on the passing of Sharon. She showed so much courage over the years. I remember a visit I had with the two of you many years ago in Toronto. She was spirited, and compassionate. Embrace the great memories you and Kate have of her. They will get you through the days ahead. Thinking of you and sending hugs and love your way during these difficult times. Susan & Greg - Posted by: Susan Vaughan (Cousin) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Our deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Fred Wood and Diane Yorke (Friends) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Dear Dick It was a pleasure to meet Sharon, your fiercely independent life partner. MS certainly did not define who she was although it must have caused her to somewhat curtail her involvement in her causes and projects. At this time, Kurt and I wish to extend heartfelt sympathy to you and Kate. Sincerely, Lee and Kurt - Posted by: lee fischer (fellow MSer) on: Aug 29, 2020
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Sending prayers, thoughts and hugs to all at this sad time in your lives. - Posted by: Margie (MacCulloch) Reid (Grew up as neighbours to Dick and the Henley family in Oxford.) on: Aug 29, 2020