Peterson, Sharon Ruth
August 29, 1947 – November 10, 2024
at the age of 77 years:
It is with saddened but hopeful hearts that we announce the passing of Sharon Ruth Peterson (MacFarlane) on November 10th, 2024 at the age of 77 years.
Sharon was born to parents, Clarence and Cora Alberta MacFarlane in Saint John, New Brunswick on August 29th, 1947, the oldest of five children. There, Sharon and her siblings grew up in a home attached to her mother, “Bert’s” corner store which was a hub of connection for their community.
Sharon met her sweetheart, Malcolm, in 1968 at New Brunswick Bible Institute. They were married in Saint John in 1971 but moved shortly thereafter to Georgetown, Ontario, where their first child was born. In 1973, drawn back to the province of their roots, the young Peterson family returned to New Brunswick and ultimately settled in the town of Hartland where they began raising their children amongst a community of extended family and friends and during which time 7 more children were born to the Petersons including their son Mark who died of SIDS in 1975 at 3 months of age.
10 years later, the Petersons felt called to mission work and packed up their family to move to Calgary, Alberta where the youngest of their 9 children was born. Sadly, only a few days before leaving New Brunswick, their daughter, Rachel was tragically killed in a car accident. Despite their heavy hearts, the Petersons continued west, beginning a new life in the city.
Over the years, amidst the responsibilities of caring for a busy family, Sharon enjoyed gardening, baking, volunteering at the local church, and teaching ESL classes. Sharon’s quiet hospitality was appreciated by all who knew her – friends, family, and strangers alike – the Peterson table was frequently surrounded by many added guests. Sharon also found some of her greatest joys in hosting, cooking for, and connecting with her 21 grandchildren.
Upon retirement, and due to increasing health concerns, Sharon and Malcolm moved to Salmon Arm to live with family. Despite a prolonged and debilitating battle with Parkinson’s disease, Sharon continued to maintain a garden and to serve and play host to any who came to visit. Sharon passed into glory while at home, surrounded by family on November 10th, 2024.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Cora Alberta, brother, George, son, Mark, daughter, Rachel, and granddaughter, Asia. Sharon is survived by her husband, Malcolm, siblings, Ariel, Francis, and David, children, Micaiah, Matthew, Esther, Andrew, Elisabeth, Rhoda, and Aaron along with twenty grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Sharon’s life was one of care and service to others and she will be missed dearly by those she loved.
A service to commemorate her life will be held on Saturday, November 16th, at 11:00 AM PST at Broadview Evangelical Free Church in Salmon Arm with a reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to Parkinsons Canada.
