Sharon got her wings in the wee hours of March 19, 2021 with her cousin Janice by her side.
Sharon Lee Dressler was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 16, 1960, along with her twin sister Shanon, to her loving parents Daniel & Irma Dressler.
Sharon was loved from the moment she arrived as the fourth of five girls.
When the doctors told Irma that Sharon & Shanon had Down’s Syndrome she was told that they would never walk or talk and was advised to put them in an institution. Irma knew that she could not let that happen, and she and Dan brought the twins home where they grew up surrounded by love.
Although Sharon had health challenges as a little girl, she kept on thriving. Not only did she learn to walk and talk, she went to school where she learned to read and write. She also loved to attend Sunday School classes taught by her Mom and could recite Bible verses from memory.
She came to love Jesus and was baptized by her Dad at an early age.
Many years ago, Dan and Irma connected with the Robin Hood Association in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Through their programming, Sharon & Shanon were able to live in a residence and participate in work programs. One of Sharon’s favorite jobs was working in the kitchen.
In 2010, Sharon moved with her sister to Aspen Village in Sherwood Park in an assisted living program. While living there, she enjoyed classes that included scrapbooking, choir, yoga, and massage to name a few! She looked forward to Friday lunch club and weekly visits of the pet therapy dogs.
Sharon had a creative spirit. She loved to cut out the pages of flyers, coupons, and magazines and used them to create works of art on coloured pieces of paper, often sipping on an iced coffee as she worked (one of her favourite treats). She gave many of her creations away to people she loved.
Sharon enjoyed many programs on TV and, next to her Bible, her TV guide was one of her most prized possessions. She knew the names of all the characters on her favourite shows, as well as the names of the actors who played them. She kept us laughing at the stories she had to tell us. Among her favourites were Three’s Company, Days of our Lives, and The Lawrence Welk Show.
As she got older, we started having ‘church’ at home. Her favourites were Hour of Power and Faith to Live By. For music, it was always Gaither Gospel Hour and Time to Sing. What a special time to share with her and hear her sing along. She also loved pop music and, as children, her nieces and nephews always enjoyed listening to her record collection which she borrowed from the local library.
Much like her Dad, Sharon was a social butterfly. She enjoyed visits with family and friends. We all have treasured memories of visits with Sharon: visits to Wendy & Lucas’ place for a backyard BBQ or to sister Grayce & brother-in-law Lyle’s for a weekend of crafting and sing-alongs; she travelled to Wainwright to visit her sister Kathie and brother-in-law Lyle where she got to know all the people working in the church office; and she loved her trips to Manitoba to see her sister Barb and brother-in-law Terry and her niece and nephew and their families where she enjoyed special visits to the family restaurant, Chicken Chef. She enjoyed a very special trip to Maui to dip her toes in the ocean for the first time and attend church on the beach.
We called Sharon ‘our girl’. As a family, she gave us ongoing delight and never-ending love. She is remembered by the hugs she loved to give and receive as well as her smile that lit up every room.
Our thanks and appreciation go out to the caregivers at Aspen Village that helped look after her and gave her the extra love and hugs she always enjoyed.
Sharon is survived by her twin sister Shanon Lynn, her sisters Barb Holliston (Terry), Grayce Rabel (Lyle), Kathleen Holderbein. Nieces & nephews Dana Hunt (Ryan, Matt & Janessa, Jenaya), Christopher Krushel (Lily, Mia, Daniel), Wendy Rabel (Lucas), Scott Rabel (Casper, Maizee), and our beloved cousin Janice (‘the sixth sister’).
She has been joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents Daniel & Irma Dressler & brother-in-law Lyle Holderbein.
We will miss her presence in our lives deeply, and knowing that she is in heaven with her Heavenly Father, our Mom & Dad, and many others gives us comfort and peace.
This is such a difficult time for our family and in our community and the world. We can’t grieve together like we would if things were different. But we can remember Sharon as the beautiful spirit she was: Sharon’s favourite colour was pink (she loved anything pink!), so wherever you are, we encourage you to wear something pink in her honour. As the spring blossoms begin to emerge, think of her whenever you see a pink flower. And, where it’s safe to do so, give someone a big hug and smile when you think of her.
Shelley Snook says
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Sharon loved to work and be with people. She prepped so many great meals that I had the joy of eating. She would never pass me by without saying “Hello Shelley. How are you”. Her smile and greeting made my day:) I share in the sadness as we remember Sharon and my heart goes out to you and your family.
Grayce Rabel says
Thank you for sharing some of your memories.
Marilyn says
I just had gone over some memories with my Dad, Andy Storfield, who is now 90 yrs old and living in Red Deer, AB. He was telling me about your twin sisters, and remembering how well your parents cared for them when they were young. And I remember, you and I were pen pals, back when I was in the youth, maybe age 15 yrs… I think we may have gotten connected thru a COG youth convention… do you remember me? You encouraged me greatly, I was very shy then, and so thought you were so kind to connect with me. So many years later, I still remember you fondly. Do you still live in B.C.? May the Lord’s comfort be yours, as you have remembered your dear sister, I still love the memories that come of my dear mother, Ethel Storfield, went home to be with Jesus, Dec 1, 2008. Love, and thankfulness for your kindness,
Marilyn
Don and Wilma says
What a beautiful story of a life well lived and yes my garden is filled with pink and I will think of all of you as spring turns to summer. Hopefully we will be able to see you then and hear more beautiful stories. Love you all
Roy and Sylvia Smith says
How nice to know all that about Sharon! What a lovely write-up! You have played such a big part in her life, especially since your Mom & Dad have passed. Bless you for that Grayce (& Lyle) in making the twins lives so rich and full for them! Sorry to hear of her passing. Times will be lonely at the house. She is reunited with those who love her! May your memories outlive the hurt you feel today!
Love Roy and Sylvia
Lynda Ebel says
Beautful tribute to honour sweet Sharon’s life…We have many good memories of Sharon and Shanon <3 <3 <3
Keeping you in our prayers…
Love you, Gerry and Lynda
Colleen Robinson says
I was sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. Such a lovely obit, clearly written with love. I will always remember Sharon and Shanon as giggly girls, even though I was younger than them. They were both very lucky to be born into your family just as they have blessed you in return.
Much love to you all…
C
Ann Marie LePan says
Such a beautiful tribute. A beautiful person and loss. I will think of Sharon and say a prayer in her honour when my first pink flower blooms this spring.💗
Ann Marie LePan
Jamie Vaughn says
Hugs to you all. I’m so sorry about Sharon’s passing and that you cannot all be together as a family during this time of grieving. She has a beautiful soul 💖 Janice has sent several photos of Sharon which clearly capture her carefree and jovial personality.
I wear my rose quartz heart pendant in her honor.
Lolita Calicdan says
Hi Grayce, condolence I’m going to miss her too.
Lolita
Hajai kamara says
My name is Hajai kamara, I worked with Sharon at Aspen Village, she was a wonderful person,always showing people things that she had in her hands, I did this, do you want to see. I missed her she was easy going person. My sympathy goes to her family be strong, she is in a better place with the Lord, She will always be remembered.
Lorraine Nickel says
Sharon was a beautiful person. Sorry we couldn’t see her that often, but when we did, that smile and the hugs won’t ever be forgotten. I will also miss her funny emails. My prayers to all love you. Lorraine
Shiva Poudel says
Rest in peace to the departed soul and heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family
Sheryl and Doug Jackson says
We are so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing, please accept our condolences.
Upon reading through the obituary, one certainly can appreciate that she was a very special person in many ways.
Purna says
I am so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. heartfelt condolences.
Dean & Joan Holliston says
Our heartfelt sympathy, Barb, Terry and to all family members in your loss of Sharon at this time. Memories we never lose.
Aaron and Audrey Falkenberg says
Wonderful obituary. So nice to know she really enjoyed life. We know she will be missed by friends and family. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers.
Aaron and Audrey
Marj Hildebrand says
So sorry for your loss….have special memories of the girls playing with my kids at Lyle and Grayce’s wedding. Always delightful to see her at visits over the years. Grieving is hard but memories are a gift God has given us. Love to all of you.
Jill Folliott says
I remember Sharon. She was my roommate fo eight years. I will miss her smile. Our condolences to the family.
Miranda taylor says
I was truly sorry to hear about the passing of Sharon I lived with Shannon for a long time in DC 22
rest in peace Sharon always smile