Obituary of Sherin Ann Gagné

GAGNÉ, Sharon (Sherin) Ann

It is with heavy hearts that the Gagné family announces the peaceful passing of Sharon (Sherin) Ann Gagné, on Oct 19, 2021, after her brief but courageous battle with cancer. She passed knowing she was loved; with her adoring husband of 49 years, Ben Gagné by her side.

Sharon was born on May 7, 1949, to hard-working and warm-hearted parents, Alice, and Kenneth McLaren (predeceased) and was raised on their family farm in Rutherglen ON. Within the community she fostered lifelong relationships with many whom she considered her best friends over the course of her life.

Sharon lived her life as the epitome of selflessness with a warm and welcoming demeanor and was a constant beacon of positivity.  She lived quietly, held steadfast to her faith, acted with grand gestures of generosity and charity, and was all things to everyone lucky enough to know her.

Her passion to support her church, her community, and her friends was paramount. All of those that she touched through her work ultimately became trustworthy friends.

Sharon was proud of the home that her and Ben built together 45 years ago; cherished time spent in her gardens and was always delighted to host guests for any occasion and holiday. Her greatest joys in life were baking, gardening, traveling, reading, writing letters, quilting, shopping, listening to live music, and attending social and charitable events. She was always looking to learn new talents and within the last few years had taken piano lessons and computer classes.

Sharon’s limitless optimism and belief in her children provided them the encouragement to seek out new destinations and perspectives, which, in turn, provided some of the most memorable trips she often spoke of so fondly. Sharon enjoyed exploring the world with Ben and visiting their children over the years in California, Ohio, Maryland, and New York City. There were also special trips to Paris, Nashville, and countless road trips across Canada over the years to visit family in Western Canada. Sharon never ceased to seek out new destinations and broaden her horizons.

Sharon’s prized role as a grandmother filled her with joy. Grandchildren Lucie, Leona and Miles always got beaming smiles out of her and she dreamed big for their futures. She often shared stories from her upbringing and the positive influences from her inspirational grandmothers, and her mother.

Survived by her husband Ben (Bernard), son Derek and daughter-in-law Alexis (Leona), daughter Melanie and son-in-law Jean-Yves Lafond (Lucie and Miles). She is also survived by two brothers and their families. Sharon will be dearly missed by her in-law family who considered her a sister and more importantly a friend.

We would like to share our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Inez Jinnah and the C3 caregivers at the NBRHC for their support and compassion.

A Visitation for family and friends will take place at Martyn Funeral Home on Friday November 5, 2021, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Arrangements can be made to attend by calling Martyn at 705-472-8810. Covid-19 restrictions will apply including vaccination proof, face mask wearing etc.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ service will take place at Sharon’s place of worship, St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Rutherglen on Saturday November 6, 2021, and will be by invite only to adhere to Covid Protocols.

Donations may be made on her behalf to The Palliative Unit at NBRHC, www.canadahelps.org or St Margaret’s Anglican Church.