Sharon Lorraine Harland

Sharon Lorraine (Bezanson) Harland of Halifax passed away on March 21, 2013, in Palliative Care at the VGH surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was born on March 19, 1932 and was married to Robert Harland for 57 years.

Sharon was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many people; she touched everyone she met and worked with over the years. Mom’s professional career began at the CNIB in Halifax; she went on to work with many non-profit organizations including the YWCA of Halifax, Able Courier, the Maritime Conservatory of Music, and the Kiwanis Music Festival.

Sharon was a wise and responsible Roman Catholic lay woman, dedicated to the mission of the Church. She has a long and honorable history of valuable service in Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, the Archdiocese of Halifax, the Catholic Women’s League, and in projects of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through the years, Sharon served in many leadership roles with the CWL and participated in many executive committees for diocesan initiatives. Her practical wisdom, firm principles, strong faith, and generous encouragement have provided a valuable role-model to many. One of Sharon’s greatest pleasures came in the many life-long friends she made, through her community and church involvement and who have been such a great support to her.

Sharon is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert in St Vincent’s Nursing Home, son Richard (Corinne), daughters Michele, Sandra (David) all of Halifax and Annette (Brian) of St Andrews, NB and her sisters Jackie MacLeod and Ellen MacFarlane of Halifax. A special place will remain in the hearts of her grandchildren Laura (Stu), Charles, Becky (Jeff), and Laura all of Halifax; Cory (Megen) of Toronto and Andrea, Ben, Kate, Emma, and Emily Jayne of St. Andrews, NB, as well as her great-grandsons Owen and Parker in Halifax. She will also be missed and remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents Charles and Jessie (Revels) Bezanson, step-father Allan Napier, brothers Reginald and Charles (Brother Thomas), sisters Marge, Mary, Claire, and Marianne.

Cremation has taken place. By request, there will be no visitation. A funeral mass and celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on Monday, March 25, 2013, at 1:30 pm at Blessed Mother Teresa Church (previously St. Stephen’s) 6032 Normandy Dr., Halifax. A reception will follow in the church hall. A private interment will take place at a later date.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Palliative Care at the VGH for the remarkable care they provided to Mom in her final days as well as Dr. Robert Brown her family physician for many years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care Foundation (QE2 Foundation – Palliative Care) or to the Canadian Cancer Society in Sharon’s memory.