SHARON ELAINE KIRWAN

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SHARON ELAINE KIRWAN

Peacefully, on February 22, 2025, Sharon Elaine Kirwan (née Anderson) passed away at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 81.

Born in Vancouver, B.C., on October 31, 1943, Sharon was predeceased by her parents Henry and Ruby Anderson, her sister Barbara, and her beloved husband, Sydney. Sharon is survived by her daughters, Simone (Brad) and Sheryl; her brother-in-law, Novelle, sister-in-law, Marguerite; many cherished nieces and nephews; and an extended family that brought her great joy. Sharon also leaves behind a circle of treasured friends, including Ena Francis, Pat and Tom Walker, Rod and Elaine Clifton, Eric Parsons, Dorothy Young, Christine Archibald, and Besilia Matthew. Over the years, she built deep and lasting friendships—through her nursing class at St. Paul's Hospital, the Y-Neighbours Women's Group in Winnipeg, and among the many colleagues she worked with across Canada and abroad.

From her earliest years, Sharon knew that she wanted to be a Nurse. After graduating from Kitsilano High School, she attended UBC and then trained as a nurse at St. Paul's Hospital, where she earned her RN. Her career in nursing took her from Vancouver and Montreal to Toronto, Jamaica, Yellowknife, and Winnipeg. She cared deeply about both patients and students, teaching nursing in Toronto, Jamaica, and Winnipeg, and serving as Director of Nursing at Stanton Hospital in Yellowknife. Later, she worked with Health and Welfare Canada in Yellowknife and became one of the early leaders in Critical Incident Stress Management Services at Health Canada while living in Winnipeg. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing from McGill and a Master of Education from the University of Manitoba—testaments to her lifelong commitment to learning.

In 1972, Sharon and Sydney were married at St. Margaret's Anglican Church in Winnipeg, beginning a life of love, adventure, and family. They lived in Yellowknife and Barbados before settling in Winnipeg, where they raised their daughters with strength, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose. After retiring in 2008, Sharon devoted herself to caring for Sydney during his final years with the same tenderness and devotion she brought to all aspects of her life.

Sharon was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy in gardening, baking, sewing, CFL football, and travelling, and she passed on her curiosity and creativity to her daughters. Sharon was a dedicated volunteer at Folklorama, with the Cari-Cana Pavilion, and was proud to become an Antiguan citizen. She was an engaged member of the Anglican Church, with special ties to Holy Trinity in Yellowknife and St. Margaret's in Winnipeg. Her faith, compassion, humility, and warmth touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Brian Sharkey, WHRA Homecare, West Park Manor, Riverview Health Centre, and Golden Healthcare Resources for their dedicated care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon's memory may be made to St. Margaret's Anglican Church or to Hand in Hand with Haiti (EMAS Canada).

A Celebration of Sharon's Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Margaret's Anglican Church (corner of Westminster and Ethelbert). 

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2025