Obituary of Sharron Marguerite PROULX-TURNER

April 21, 1953 – Metcalfe, ON November 21, 2016 – Calgary, AB Mother, Nokomis, aunty, sister, friend, poet, storyteller and teacher to the last, Sharron joined the ancestors, her mother Joan, sister Gail and son Steven, on November 21 at Rosedale Hospice in Calgary. In her last days, she spoke of her sense of peace and readiness, providing us some light for our journey without her. Originally from the Ottawa River Valley, Sharron made Calgary her home in 1973. Over the years, she raised two children, earned an MA in English, and has written six books. Writing remained a passion for her until the moment she completed her last manuscript in October. A proud two-spirit Métis woman, Sharron gave to her community generously as a teacher and leader, particularly of women and youth, and was a tireless social justice advocate. She had a fierce spirit, great humour (her smile lit up a room and a day), along with a wonderful gentleness, and a huge capacity for love. Sharron will be missed by her children, Graham Angus, and Barb Horsefall (Harold); her grandchildren, Willow, Jessinia, Mazie-Anna, Ariston; as well as other family members and close relations, Paul and Connie, Aimée and Darwin, Alicia and Patrick, Joy and Kim, Faye and Brad, Anne and Phil, Ed, Phil, and Aruna. Her circle of relations was wide and inclusive; through Sharron, we have gained many friends and strong connections, near and far, and will miss her deeply. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Our particular gratitude goes to the staff at the Rosedale Hospice for their wonderful care of Sharron, family, and friends during these past weeks. Instead of sending flowers, please consider a donation to the Rosedale Hospice. https://hospicecalgary.thankyou4caring.org/ In the foreword to One Bead at a Time, Sharron writes: “Recently, I was diagnosed with end-stage liver cancer. . . This book may close my life. Life is story. I became involved with this project, not because I love impossible work but to give back to the Indigenous women and children whose stories so often go untold. . . .for my mothers and grandmothers before me, whose unspeakable sacrifices paved the way for me to be a writer. Thank you, Grandmothers. Thank you, Creator.”