Obituary of Sharon Elizabeth Tonkin

August 1, 1976 – Ottawa, Ontario

August 1, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Our precious Sharon was lost to us all suddenly and unexpectedly on the day that should have been her 45th birthday.

An accountant by profession, Sharon was proud to achieve here CGA/CPA degree in 2017 after years of mostly part time and on-line studies.

For all of her too short life, Sharon loved animals, from horses to dogs, and an interesting array of furred and feathered companions as pets, including cats, rabbits, chinchillas, cockatiels, ferrets and parrots.  Nearly all of those beloved pets had been rescued, abandoned or neglected, and she devoted herself to giving them the love and care they needed, for the rest of their lives.

In her spare time, Sharon was also an avid gardener, specializing in growing culinary herbs, and fruits and vegetables not normally found in the harsh, Calgary climate.

Sharon accomplished much in her life, but still had so much more she wanted to do.  Sadly, that is not to be, but all of us who knew and loved her have had our own lives enriched by her spirit, determination, sense of humour, compassion, acceptance and love for all the people she knew, no matter their colour, race, or social status.  That love also extended to all the critters of God’s creation, whether they walk or slither across the face of the earth, swim in its waters, or fly in the skies above.

Left to mourn are her devastated parents, Lyn and Hal Tonkin, brother Jamie, partner Mike, step-daughter Baylee, Mike’s parents Bonnie and Dave; and extended Tonkin, Walford and Vaughan family members; as well as many friends and acquaintances.

For those who wish to do so, memorial donations in Sharon’s memory would be greatly appreciated, to the following organizations:

Ferret Rescue and Education Society (FRES) Box 159, 204-1440 52nd St. N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2A 4T8 or Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre (OVWBCC) 822 Cedarview Road C, Nepean, Ontario, K24 1J1 or to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter (CWES) 500 – 1509 Centre St. S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2G 2E6

A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Wednesday September 8, 2021, at 2:00 p.m, Rev. Tracy Robertson of St. Thomas United Church presiding. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ms. Tonkin’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. For those who can attend in person, please wear something green if possible, in recognition for Sharon’s favourite colour.  Also, please wear a face mask for the protection and safety of us all in this still lingering Covid pandemic.

In living memory of Sharon Tonkin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event

(the event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service. 

Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.

View Sharon Tonkin's Memorial Card Here