We Remember
WAMMER, Sharon Suzanne
March 15, 1949 — July 21, 2022
The family of Sharon Wammer is sad to announce her passing on July 21, 2022, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 73 years.
Sharon is survived by Winston, her loving husband of 52 years; her children Paul and Shannon (Darren); grandchildren Tai and Phoenix; brother Murray; sister Dawn; and stepsiblings Joe, Jim, Rick, and Debbie. She was predeceased by her parents Joe and Olive Watts; and her brother Earl.
Born March 15, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Sharon moved to Regina, Saskatchewan at a young age and grew up there until she graduated from the Grey Nuns Hospital Nursing School as an RN in 1969. Pediatrics was her specialty. By then, she had already met her husband (Winston) and they moved to Edmonton, AB in 1970, as Winston was new to being a pilot and had to take the best job he could get. Sharon was the rock. She could work anywhere as a nurse, and she did – all over the place. So, to Edmonton they went in 1970; then off to Yellowknife, NT in 1971; and then back full circle to St. Albert, AB in 1972. In 1972, after working in many hospitals as a pediatric nurse, Sharon started to work at Misercordia Hospital in Edmonton. In 1973, Sharon, Winston, son Paul (age 2), and soon-to-be-newborn daughter Shannon moved to Spruce Grove, AB, where they would live until 1989. During this time, Sharon continued to work for Misercordia and the University of Alberta hospital.
In 1989, Sharon and Winston moved to West Kelowna in BC and Sharon started to work on getting her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Victoria. Finally, in 1997 Sharon fulfilled a longtime dream and completed her Masters of Nursing Studies from Deakin University.
Sharon was a pillar in her professional community, she managed Long Term Care programs for Interior Health and even managed Long Term Care Homes such as Village at Mill Creek. When Sharon fell ill, she had many visitors from her time in both fields, and the respect they had for her was amazing. Professionally, Sharon was courteous, determined, and a great leader. Personally, she was the ultimate caregiver, kind and compassionate. As a mother, she was understanding, caring, supportive, and non-stop loving to her family – in anything we did together.
She will be sorely missed.
The Wammer Family would like to thank the Interior Health Professionals that came to her home for care. Their care and attention will never be forgotten. The family would also like to thank the Hospice House for all the care she had, right to her last breath. We are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Sharon would like you to get together with your family and share each other’s company. Family is everything.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the family home in West Kelowna.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Location
at the family home in West Kelowna
Sharon was a kind and beautiful soul. She will be missed dearly. We have very fond memories of visiting with her. Deepest condolences to her family. We wish you all comfort during this difficult time.
You have certainly lost a “pillar of strength” in your family with the loss of Sharon. She always showed such great kindness to me and the family. I will always cherish the Ukrainian ceramic set that she and Winston sent to me. I am sure it was she that purchased the set and thought of me and my heritage. I remember awhile back that most of our family decided to visit Kelowna to see Winston and Sharon and also my niece, Elizabeth (Liz) and husband, Ed. We had been invited to come over to their home and visit. Unfortunately, Sharon was ill at the time and could not join in the fun. I’m sure that she did not appreciate the noise with our visit but Winston and Sharon welcomed us into their home. It was my pleasure to attend Shannon and Darren’s wedding and also witness the renewing of vows between Winston and Sharon. It was such a special event to be able to attend both of these grand occasions, thanks to my son, Dale, who drove my car up to Kelowna from Seattle, It would have been impossible for me to travel alone so I greatly appreciated his offer to drive and attend with me. We had a wonderful time following the wedding staying at that beautiful lodge outside of West Bank. The wedding reception was outstanding and I am quite sure that Sharon had her hand in the planning. My niece, Liz, supplied the floral arrangements and she always puts her best effort into every wedding and tells me how much she enjoys the process. I wish I had known Sharon much better but because of distance that made it difficult. I know how much it hurts to lose a loved one so my heart feels your pain. May you always find peace and comfort in all those precious memories of Sharon. All My Love to you, Winston, and to you, Paul, and to you Shannon and to all the grandkids
Winston, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I’ll always remember Sharon for the professiona l help and guidance she gave me. She left to soon.
Dear Winston & Family
Thank God Sharon”s suffering has ended and she can now be at peace. Please know we are thinking of you and accept our condolences.
Sending my deepest sympathies to
Winston, Paul and Shannon
So very sorry for your loss of Sharon your amazing wife and mother and friend to many🥰
I only met Sharon professionally but she left a lasting impact on me as we mutually cared for a couple who had no close family and stayed in their corner as we championed these souls through the challenges they faced,
Fabulous lady
Wendy
Dear Winston, Paul and Shannon,
I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Sharon. After first meeting her at VMC as my boss, I quickly grew an attachment to her. Sharon was always someone I could talk to and know I had full support of. She was an excellent leader and always cared for the residents and staff. She believed in me and my team and was an excellent role model. Her advocacy for residents Life enrichment , personhood and independence is beyond that of any care manager I have met. She always went above and beyond to ensure resident needs were met . I enjoyed my weekly Friday “happy hour ” meetings with her and loved to call her “boss lady. ” I also loved the staff meetings at the house where she always went above and beyond cooking for our team.
She had a trust in me and I looked up to her . If only there were more Sharons to run our care homes to lead by example. After being my boss she still was a friend that I could talk to. When I encounter a work situation I often think “what would Sharon do”.
I miss her , and will think of her often.
Alicia
On behalf of Baptist Housing, we wish you every blessing and condolences for the loss of Sharon. Sharon made a significant contribution to our ministry to seniors at the Village at Mill Creek where she served for several years as administrator. Sharon will be remembered for her passion and commitment to uncompromising quality of care. May your whole family be comforted by fond memories you share.
It was with sadness that we have learned on Sharon’s passing. On behalf of the RGNN Grads, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
With sincere Sympathy,
RGNN Alumni
PO Box 35046
Sherwood Village RPO
Regina, Sk. S4X 4C6
to Shannon and family so sorry to hear about your mother
I am so sorry to learn of Sharon’s passing. Just the other day I was remembering a Sharon moment. I learned so much from her and deeply admired her knowledge, her competence and her care for people. She was steadfast in her commitment to clients and their families and to her staff. I have no doubt that she has left a legacy with the people she worked with both in her leadership and her commitment to client centered care. I know that she deeply influenced me.
My condolences to her family.
Penny Lane