Obituary of Sharon Ann Mitchell

MITCHELL: It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Sharon Ann Mitchell on December 31, 2010. Sharon was born on January 29, 1959, in Brandon, Manitoba. She attended J. R. Reid Elementary School and Vincent Massey High School. She graduated from the Faculty of Phys. Ed. at the University of Manitoba in 1984. Sharon made good use of her degree, working at both the North End "Y" in Winnipeg and the Brandon "Y". Sharon also coached the Blue Fins Swim Club for several years. Sharon had a lifelong love of sports, and was the Brandon Women's Singles Champion in both tennis and badminton in the mid-1970's. She earned the number one provincial ranking in mixed doubles tennis with her brother, Bob, in 1976. Sharon's biggest enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends in Brandon, Winnipeg and Alberta. Many happy summers were spent at Clear Lake. She was a devoted daughter and loving sister. She was the proud auntie of five nieces and nephews and was very involved in their lives. Sharon had great kindness and compassion for others. She dedicated twelve years to her work as a Developmental Services Worker at Core Enterprises. In spite of a 25 year battle with Bipolar Disorder, she touched many lives through her volunteer work with Helping Hands Soup Kitchen, Hillcrest Personal Care Home and Common Cause for Mental Health. Sharon was passionate about educating people about mental health and advocating for other consumers. She enjoyed attending the Christian Reformed Church, TOPS meetings and a variety of support and advocacy groups. She exhibited enormous personal strength and lived her life by the motto; "One day at a time." Sharon is lovingly remembered by her mother; Isabella Mitchell Ball; brother Garry (Jo-Ann), their children Kalynn (Gavin), Bryan (Michelle) and Michael (Carla); sister-in-law Liz; and her children Ashleigh and Jeffrey. Sharon's enthusiasm, bright smile, sparkling eyes and warm hugs will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Sharon was predeceased by her father Ray in 1987; brother Bob in 1995; and her stepfather Fred in 2009. Our family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to; Dr. Vipul, the staff at the CAP Unit, the Brandon CSU, the CMHP and McTavish Manor for their tireless efforts in helping Sharon over the years. A celebration of Sharon's life was held on January 5, 2011, at Central United Church with Dr. Evert Busink officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 23-12th St., Brandon, MB, R7A 4L6. "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."