It is with both deep sadness and profound love that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Shirley Sharpe (nee McBurnie) at 96 years young.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband of nearly 75 years Graydon “Don” Sharpe, daughter Brenda Kallio, parents Elsie and Boyde McBurnie, and her sisters Lois MacKay (Bill), Audrey Blaney (Bill), and Sandra Miller (Paul). Caring and supportive sister to Arlene Di Pietro (late Danny). She was greatly admired and endlessly loved by her son Boyde (Janet) and daughters Barbara Timusk (late Evald) and Beverly Ojalammi (Paul), along with her late daughter Brenda Kallio (Raimo). Cherished and respected grandmother to Aaron (Jennifer), Kari (Kristy) and Mark Kallio; Ian (Felecia) and Andy Sharpe (Victor); Evan (Jennifer) and Kristen (Nicholas) Timusk; Katie (Dennis) and Ashley Ojalammi (Zack). Wise and patient great grandmother to Olivia and Ava Kallio, Jesse and Hayden Kallio, Hadleigh Huffington-Timusk, and Nora Ralph-Ojalammi. Loved aunt by many nieces and nephews.
An avid painter and artistic creator, Shirley was affectionately known for her beautiful ability to put a brush and oil paint to canvas to create breathtaking artwork that will now be forever cherished family heirlooms. Her artwork often represented the beautiful landscapes of her life both on the water at Upper Island Lake as well as in Clearwater, Florida where she and Don spent a large portion of their retired lives enjoying the saltwater breeze and warm coastal sun.
Shirley’s love and thoughtfulness were often displayed through unassuming small acts of kindness that never went unnoticed. Whether this was through paying a compliment or sharing words of appreciation, gifting a jar of homemade pickled beets, a savvy garage sale find, or handmade whirligig, or ending each conversation with a “love ya,” she always found a way of ensuring that those around her knew how much she loved and appreciated them.
Our mom, sister, grandma, great grandma, and aunt will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her quiet strength and unwavering resilience, her easy-going nature and humble wisdom, and for her unmatched sense of humour and contagious laugh. Shirley filled every room she walked into with happiness and positivity and the world is certainly a little more dim without her in it.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Kotitalo for their kindness and care toward Shirley over the last 5 years. She always spoke so fondly of the connections that she had the pleasure of making with you all. The family would also like to sincerely thank the staff at Sault Area Hospital - 3B, with special appreciation to Dr. George and Dr. Apostle along with Cady, Joy, and Heidi for your compassion and care toward Shirley and her family members throughout the last several days of her life.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association or ARCH would be greatly appreciated by the family and would have meant the world to Shirley. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Fons memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com