May 10, 1943 - July 9, 2024
In loving memory ~
Sharon Elaine Edstrom was born in Camrose, Alberta on May 10th,1943 and was raised by her parents Elmer Albin Edstrom and Sylvia Theodora (Stromstad) Edstrom on the family farm at Edberg, Alberta, 20 miles south of Camrose. Sharon was baptized in the Edberg Lutheran Church by Pastor Rudd in June of 1943.
Sharon's childhood was idyllic as an only child, with her own saddle horse Winnie and a pet dog Trixie. Sharon attended the Edberg school for all her grade school education, graduating in 1961. Sharon also attained Grade 8 piano competency; a skill enjoyed throughout her life. She attended Camrose Lutheran College for one year, followed by a year in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. After receiving her teaching certificate, Sharon taught school at Bawlf, Alberta, fulfilling a Camrose County contract.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Bill Avison; sons Allan (Tricia) and Bryan (Gina); four grandchildren: Sarah, Kayla (Stephen), Craig, and Cole; and four great-grandchildren: Lyric, Bella, Huntleigh, and Anna.
Sharon was a member of the Edberg 4-H dairy club for 5 years holding all executive positions and winning many awards for her public speaking ability at 4-H district and regional competitions. Attending Provincial 4-H Club Weeks and Judging Competitions from 1958 until 1961 at the Olds School of Agriculture, Sharon won the right to attend the National 4-H Club Week in 1961 at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, and in Ottawa where she met Prime Minister Diefenbaker.
Sharon met her future husband Bill Avison at a 4-H Club week in 1958, they were married July 4th, 1964, in the Ponoka United Church by Rev. Bert Moriarty, who had prepared Sharon for membership in the United Church of Canada. Sharon and Bill lived on their dairy farm southeast of Ponoka raising two sons, Allan (1967) and Bryan (1968), and an adopted baby girl Candace (1969). The Wetaskiwin Court of Queen's Bench granted a no-fault annulment of the adoption, with visiting rights in 1985.
From 1973 until 1981 as members of the International Agricultural Exchange Association, Bill and Sharon hosted young men and women from 7 European countries as summer employees on their dairy farm. Firm relationships with these "trainees" and their families have resulted in friendly contact maintained to this day, which provided many happy travel opportunities.
Bill and Sharon farmed until 1997, however, they retired gracefully from dairying in 1987. With time on their hands Bill and Sharon completed Baccalaureates in Nursing and worked in Acute and Home Care respectively in Red Deer and Ponoka until full retirement in 2006.
Due to a lack of services for seniors in Ponoka, Bill and Sharon moved to Red Deer in 2007, where Sharon enjoyed the security and convenience of downtown condo living, extensive world travel, playing her piano for the "Heritage Hearts" choral group at condo social gatherings, and visiting with a host of new friends.
Following their relocation to Red Deer, they moved their United Church membership from Ponoka to Red Deer where many volunteer opportunities were presented. Having been part of a square dance community in Central Alberta for 32 years, two square dance clubs and many friends in Red Deer made for a lively social life.
Bill and Sharon moved to a Senior's Lodge in Red Deer in 2017, walking, reading, volunteering, dancing at the Legion and organized social events at the Lodge provided them with a balanced and contented safe lifestyle in their senior years.
Sharon passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Red Deer Hospice Society. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the compassionate care provided by staff at the RDRH Palliative Care Unit #32 and Red Deer Hospice Society. Charitable donations can be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society (reddeerhospice.com) in Sharon's name, or alternatively, to a charity of your choice.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Sharon's life was held at the Ponoka Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
To express condolences to Sharon's family, please visit womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~