Obituaries

Sharon Officer (née Robertson)

After a prolonged battle with illness and surrounded by love and care, Sharon Officer (née Robertson) passed away at her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on September 7, 2024. She was just weeks away from her 65th birthday.

Sharon reunites with her mother, Dawna Marie Robertson (née Smith), father, John Bruce Robertson, and sister, Heather Jean Robertson, in the afterlife.

Sharon was born on September 22, 1959, in Glenboro, Manitoba. She moved around Manitoba while growing up but eventually settled in Winnipeg, where she lived the rest of her life.

Sharon married Arthur Officer on July 14, 1979. Their strong and deeply loving partnership endured for over 45 years until her passing. She was the mother to Brenda (née Officer) Friesen (Colin) and Ashley Officer (Brian Markwick); and grandmother to Dexter, Heath, and Chevelle. She was also a surrogate mother to many others, including Jacob (Mackenzie) Kaufman and Amanda Kehler, and a godmother to Angelica Nachtigall Lecuyer (Jay). She will be dearly missed by Scooter, the dog.

Sharon graduated from the St. Boniface School of Nursing in 1979 and served as a registered nurse for 37 years, mostly at the St. Boniface Hospital and briefly at Concordia Place. She loved working the night shift in the Emergency Department. Nearing her retirement, she thought she would take a break from Emergency and slow down by working at Concordia Place for a time, but soon returned to finish her career in Emergency, which she enjoyed most.

At Oak Park High School, Sharon met Lynne Stevens (née Deller), and they remained best friends for over 50 years. Lynne’s children, Bryan (Candice), Crystal, and Allison, became part of the Officer family, sharing many cherished memories.

Sharon was grateful for her nearly 35-year friendship with Sandra Holovaci (Brian), celebrating the milestones of raising their children, weddings, and an unforgettable christening together.

Sharon, along with Lynne and Sandra, mentored countless children as leaders in the Brownies, Girl Guides, and Scouts for many years. They provided safe, hands-on experiences in all-season camping that left a lasting impact on the children they guided.

Sharon was incredibly creative and had the drive to bring her ideas to life. She enjoyed cross-stitching, crocheting, and a variety of crafts. She was the family seamstress, fixing broken seams or zippers, creating Halloween costumes, and designing dresses and gowns. Many of her crafts were made as gifts for others.

She played an essential role in helping her daughters succeed in their education, often supporting them through late-night study sessions, ensuring their success.

Sharon loved traveling. She and Art took several vacations on their Harley Davidson motorcycle through the Rocky Mountains, spending many summers traveling with a camper in tow, visiting most of the provinces and states, and stopping at tourist attractions along the way. She also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. In recent years, she cherished summers at the family’s seasonal spot at Lilac Resort.

She adored Christmas and had decorations for every room in her home. Sharon ensured that everyone felt welcome to eat, drink, and be merry at family gatherings. She collected hundreds of Santas and baked epic Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses over the years.

Sharon was loving, funny, determined, and a natural helper and healer. Her legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

In accordance with Sharon’s wishes, a small, private gathering will be held to celebrate her life. A special thank you to the Palliative Care staff who helped guide us through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Lung Association in Sharon’s name, or planting a tree or creating a garden in her honor.