Sharon Lee HOWDEN

BENNER, Sharon Lee (nee Howden) - January 25, 1948 - March 1, 2009 - Sharon bravely set out on her next adventure surrounded by her family at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail, BC after a lengthy struggle with Wegener's Granulomatosis. She was a humanitarian who devoted her life to helping others. A volunteer with hospice, she graciously gave herself to charity, family, friends, and strangers with love, compassion and understanding. She was an athlete and world traveler, who loved life, nature and scrabble and corndogs at Gyro Park (and had a wonderful sense of humour to the end). Words cannot describe Sharon's incredible strength, spirit and determination; people were naturally drawn to her energy and light. She lived her life with great integrity and respect for others and was an inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing her. She was a beautiful soul. She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by Barry, her husband of 41 years, children Keri and husband Tony, Blaine and wife Lisa, grandson Jace, sisters Alice, Hughena and Loretta, and all her family and many friends.A special note of gratitude to Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Zhang and the renal staff at KBRH for their endless compassion and care and above all, their courtesy and respect. We cannot thank you enough. Gatherings in celebration of Sharon's life will be held in both BC and Ontario at later dates. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sharon's memory to the Renal Unit at KBRH at kbrhhealthfoundation.ca. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's memorial register at personalalternative.com. 11433031