Sharon Ann (Morison) Smith

Sharon Ann Morison was born under the sign of the Leprechaun on March 17, 1938, and has been sprinkling her magic gold dust ever since. Sharon was the second child of Alexander and Nora Morison, a younger sister to brother Richard and an older sister to Brenda. She was a happy and curious child whose mission in life was to be the “best at everything” except when it came to eating her peas and lima beans, these items went directly into Sharon’s jumper pocket. As she grew into childhood, Sharon already discovered her life’s purpose, which was to care for others.

Sharon was driven to go above and beyond, both in her everyday life and academic achievements. She made her family proud when at Wolseley Elementary school she was awarded the "Good Deed Watch” for caring for her Mother as she recovered from an illness. One of Sharon's many loves was participating in the “Eaton’s Good Deed Club," School choirs, and Kelvin Special Choir, as well as, attending church with her family at St. Andrews on Sundays.

While attending Laura Secord Junior high school, Sharon met her lifelong kindred spirits, Bobbie, Carol, Jean, Margaret, Pat, Betty, Caroline and Lois.

Some of her favourite memories were made spending summers at Matlock beach at Brenda Breeze cottage, sunbathing and swimming, attending dances at the Matlock community club and enjoying the company of her friends.

In Sharon's own words, her teenage years were spent at Kelvin High school “surrounded by the security of her friends and having fun times listening to our music while chasing the boys. I also worked hard and was exempt from final exams every year. I guess you might have called me nerdy compared to some of my peers.” A star academic student, Kelvin's athletics, was not Sharon's cup of tea. In fact, she admitted, “she was consistently eliminated in her first heats or tryouts to her relief.”

While at Kelvin, the stars aligned when Sharon and Frank met, and they started their dating adventures in 1955. Sharon completed grade 12 at the University of Manitoba, along with Frank, after which she entered the nursing program at the Winnipeg General Hospital in September 1956 where she stayed in residence. Many a weekend Sharon could be found changing into her nursing uniform in the back seat of the car while racing to get back before curfew, after a night out with Frank and friends.

Following graduation from nursing in 1960 at 21 years of age, she worked in psychiatry, geriatric, and private nursing positions. On March 12, 1960, Sharon married the love of her life Frank and became Sharon Smith. One year later, their son Richard was born, and 18 months after, to their surprise, their daughter Brenda was born. Grant, the second son, made his entrance into the world in 1963, and Melissa, the baby of the family, arrived in 1967.

In 1971 Sharon established Drake Medox Health Services under Drake International Corporation. Sharon’s motto was “One call we do it all” and do it all she did. With her pager in her pocket and Kardex file in her hand, Sharon was always on the lookout for the nearest telephone or phone booth to respond to important client calls with lightning speed. With Irene Wiebe at her side, Sharon went on to build a highly successful health care business for 47 years until finally deciding to retire in 2019 at the age of 81 years.

Sharon was and always will be the centre of the universe for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her capacity to love, nurture and give selflessly to others was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her.

To her children, Sharon was the northern star connecting each one of them to herself and each other while celebrating and honouring their differences and respecting their choices in life. Her love was an infinite vessel that knew no beginning or end and transcended space and time.

To Sharon’s friends and sisters/brothers of the heart, Carol, Jean & Leslie, Lorraine & Larry, Jan & Jim, Nancy & Don, Irene & George, Susan & Brian, Charlotte & Johnny, Bonnie & Don, Pat & Steve, Joan & Tom, Karla & Karen, Shannon, Brian & Lori, and Doug & Marcie, we cannot thank you enough for the endless visits, treats of the week to satisfy Sharon’s latest craving and for always finding the last bouquet of purple alstroemeria in Winnipeg (Jean) to bring a smile to Sharon's face.

To Lorraine, who was there at Sharon's side for every challenging diagnosis, and doctor's appointment to support each step of Sharon's cancer journey, offering words of hope, guidance, and love, we are deeply grateful.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Cancer Care, (Victoria Hospital and Health Sciences Center,) Riverview Palliative Care Unit, and the WRHA Palliative Care Team, (Jennifer, Lana,) for the compassionate care you provided to Sharon over the past 2 years.

As per Sharon’s wishes Cremation has taken place on February 1, 2023, and a celebration of life will follow in March 2023.

Donations may be made to: Cancer Care Foundation of Manitoba in honour of Sharon Ann Smith.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Smith family.