In Memory of
Sharon Gail
Hawkins
Hawkins
1948 - 2017
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
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Obituary for Sharon Gail Hawkins
1949 — 2017
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden death at home of Sharon Hawkins at the age of 68 as the result of a massive heart attack. Sharon is predeceased by her parents Wilbert Laird Hawkins and Marian Harris, her sister Karen, and her beloved aunts, Rhoda Harris and Doreen Wiggins. She will be missed by her niece, Caly Williams (Jeremy) and their daughter Cassie of British Columbia, her cousin Jim Rowat (Barbara), and their children, Scott and Krista. Sharon is also deeply missed by her close and dear friends and neighbours and by her beloved Mohamed family. Born on July 4,1949, Sharon grew up on her parents’ farm in Osgoode, Ontario. A graduate of Osgoode High School and Carleton University (Psychology), she worked for many years with competent dedication at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She was Service Coordinator of the Children’s Day Treatment Program at The Royal until her retirement. Sharon was a published poet. A review of her poetry in the 1998 book Quintet named her as one of the best new writers in Canada. Sharon was an active member of First United Church. Over the last few decades she provided steady, wise, and committed leadership. Her vision and energy upheld the congregation through the difficult transition of moving from its Kent Street building to its present Westboro location. In addition, she served as Chair of Church Council, as well as providing and organizing pastoral care and support to many within the church community. She supported church staff through her work on the Ministry and Personnel Committee. Through all of her years at First United, Sharon was unwavering in her commitment and love for the community. Her life-giving presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Recently, Sharon became thoroughly involved in the refugee settlement for the large Mohamed family. They took her into their hearts—she became family, an honour which brought her great joy. Sharon will be remembered as a compassionate, loving, wise, modest, fun-loving and gentle woman. She had enormous capacity to see things through with patience and quiet determination. Friends know of her amazing ability to listen with compassion and insight. And when she spoke, you listened. Sharon dealt with her severe health problems with dignity, grace and independence. There will be a Celebration of Sharon’s life on Monday, December 18, 2017 at First United Church, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa, where friends will greet family members after 1pm until time of the Service in the Church at 2pm. A reception and an opportunity for conversation in the church hall will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Church, the Youth Psychiatry Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, or the charity of your choice.
“to angels and archangels
sometimes found
near the corner of First and Bank
when the winter light is so soft
there are no shadows
when even
in newly fallen snow
the footprints of a woman walking
disappear.”
Winter Solstice I — Sharon Hawkins
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden death at home of Sharon Hawkins at the age of 68 as the result of a massive heart attack. Sharon is predeceased by her parents Wilbert Laird Hawkins and Marian Harris, her sister Karen, and her beloved aunts, Rhoda Harris and Doreen Wiggins. She will be missed by her niece, Caly Williams (Jeremy) and their daughter Cassie of British Columbia, her cousin Jim Rowat (Barbara), and their children, Scott and Krista. Sharon is also deeply missed by her close and dear friends and neighbours and by her beloved Mohamed family. Born on July 4,1949, Sharon grew up on her parents’ farm in Osgoode, Ontario. A graduate of Osgoode High School and Carleton University (Psychology), she worked for many years with competent dedication at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She was Service Coordinator of the Children’s Day Treatment Program at The Royal until her retirement. Sharon was a published poet. A review of her poetry in the 1998 book Quintet named her as one of the best new writers in Canada. Sharon was an active member of First United Church. Over the last few decades she provided steady, wise, and committed leadership. Her vision and energy upheld the congregation through the difficult transition of moving from its Kent Street building to its present Westboro location. In addition, she served as Chair of Church Council, as well as providing and organizing pastoral care and support to many within the church community. She supported church staff through her work on the Ministry and Personnel Committee. Through all of her years at First United, Sharon was unwavering in her commitment and love for the community. Her life-giving presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Recently, Sharon became thoroughly involved in the refugee settlement for the large Mohamed family. They took her into their hearts—she became family, an honour which brought her great joy. Sharon will be remembered as a compassionate, loving, wise, modest, fun-loving and gentle woman. She had enormous capacity to see things through with patience and quiet determination. Friends know of her amazing ability to listen with compassion and insight. And when she spoke, you listened. Sharon dealt with her severe health problems with dignity, grace and independence. There will be a Celebration of Sharon’s life on Monday, December 18, 2017 at First United Church, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa, where friends will greet family members after 1pm until time of the Service in the Church at 2pm. A reception and an opportunity for conversation in the church hall will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Church, the Youth Psychiatry Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, or the charity of your choice.
“to angels and archangels
sometimes found
near the corner of First and Bank
when the winter light is so soft
there are no shadows
when even
in newly fallen snow
the footprints of a woman walking
disappear.”
Winter Solstice I — Sharon Hawkins