Obituary of Marion SHARPE

Marion Roberta Sharpe of Calgary died on March 30, 2013 at the age of 91 years. She died peacefully in her own residence. Roberta was born January 20, 1922 in McNutt, Sask. Her Grandfather (the Mayor) of Langenburg Sask., purchased the town’s first electrical generator initially providing light to Roberta’s school desk. She began her nursing training at the Regina General Hospital, graduating in 1944. Afterwards she provided essential medical services within rural prairie communities. She worked as a Public Health Nurse in Saskatchewan until after World War Two and was respected and well-liked by the communities whom she tended and taught. She married James Sharpe, and moved consecutively to White Fox, Nipawon, Langenburg and Russell Manitoba, where she worked as a private nurse and also nursed at the Catholic Hospital, while raising four children. Later moving to Calgary in 1962, she continued on to become the Director of Nursing of the Sarcee Auxiliary Hospital. She attained notable success as the first female hospital administrator in Calgary and won awards for her skills and achievements in the field of gerontology. She was well known in Calgary for setting up standards for gerontology care and was considered to be very effective and practical. She received recognition in 1985 for her nursing skills when she was awarded the Heritage of Service Nursing Award from the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses in 1985. She was instrumental in designing the nursing stations at The Colonel Belcher, Royal Park and The Fanning Centre and designing additions to the Rockyview. She served on the board at the Kirby Centre and also served on hospital boards and on the design committee for the new hospital in south Calgary. After retiring, Roberta provided years of volunteer services to numerous organizations. The Kirby center, especially, received much attention from Roberta. Roberta knit hundreds of mittens and toques for needy children over the years; bags of them were left at Calgary schools and kept for kids to wear who didn’t have any. Her compassion, vigour and presence will remain, survived by her four children (Cleo, Paula, Ellen and Kim), six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces/nephews and the memory of her beloved husband, James C. Sharpe. She was predeceased by her brother Cal Cornelious and sister Anne-Marie Cornelious. Many souls have come to respect, admire and love Roberta. Many have benefited from her presence and are better for her lasting tradition. Roberta was an UP person, according to her friends and could REALLY work a room. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, including friends at Brentwood Boardwalk where she has resided for the past few years. A Private Service for family and friends will be held.