Obituary of Sharon McParland Stephenson

Peacefully, and surrounded by her family, at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, Sharon Ann McParland Stephenson left her earthly home for a better place.  She was an incredible model of love, compassion, inspiration and caring.  Loving partner of 38 years to Norm, and exceptional mother to sons Patrick John (Lia) and Dr. Wilson Hugh, (Dr. Stacey Tokar).  She will be forever missed by her sisters, Bev (Jim), Connie, Shirley (Joseph), Sheila (Reg), Colleen (Jim), and her brothers, Steve (Maureen) and Mike (Lori).  She will also be dearly missed by her sisters-in-law, Janet (Jim) and Joan (Alfred).  Sharon was predeceased by her parents, John and Gertrude McParland; parents-in-law, John and Emily Stephenson and brother-in-law, John Frye. Sharon was a very special aunt to 16 nieces and nephews and great aunt to 4.  She was considered a very special friend to many.  As a registered nurse and midwife, Sharon touched many lives and cared for all her clients in a warm and professional way.  Sharon was a kind and gentle soul, soft-spoken and possessed an amazing sense of humour.  At Sharon’s request, there will be no formal service.  Celebrations of life, one in Sault Ste. Marie and one at Pike Lake will be announced in the summer of 2019.  Please consider any expressions of remembrance for Sharon, in lieu of flowers, Sharon asks for donations to ARCH and the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund.  We have many to thank for Sharon’s care throughout her long 11-year journey with cancer, the McParland and Stephenson sisterhood, and an incredible medical team, which included our family Doctor, Dr. Rossi, oncologist Dr. Spadafora, and all of the chemo suite staff, physiotherapists Austin Youngson and Peter Kotyk and the many, many nurses and technicians of Group Health Centre, the Sault Area Hospital and ARCH. During Sharon’s journey with cancer, she demonstrated determination and strength second to none. Our hearts are broken, but she is now free from pain. Arrangements have been entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758).

How rich our lives have been, having been a part of her life.

Rest Easy Sweet Miss Sharon.