With deep love and sadness, we remember Sharon Roberta Timmerman, a cherished mother, grandmother, wife and friend whose kindness made people feel welcome and whose warmth stayed with them long after their time together.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to Gino and Theresa Artuzo (née Belsito), Sharon grew up with her sister, Beverly, and a rich Italian family heritage. She fondly remembered Sunday gatherings with her mother’s Belsito family: generous dinners, her grandfather’s homemade sausages and garden, and Uncle Max playing the accordion as everyone sang Italian songs. Food, music and being together remained sources of happiness throughout all her life.
At eighteen, Sharon left her childhood home for Montreal, Quebec. She travelled as a young woman and eventually moved to Toronto, Ontario, with her dear friend Terri Evanov. Friends since the age of seven, Sharon and Terri shared a lifetime of memories, living in the same city for much of their lives and eventually becoming neighbours in Oakville.
It was through a story involving keys left in a car that Sharon met Terri's neighbour, Bruce Jaring Timmerman, whom she would eventually date and marry. Together, they made their home in Oakville, Ontario. Sharon welcomed Bruce’s children, Kari, Marcia and Derek, into her life, and eventually their own daughter, Erica, born in 1983. She took great joy in caring for the grandchildren, giving them her time, affection and wholehearted love.
Sharon had a gift for making others feel comfortable and welcome. Friendly, thoughtful and generous with her help, she formed lasting friendships throughout Oakville. One longtime friend remembered her helping with children’s birthday parties simply because help was needed, describing her as the kindest person she had ever met. Her family remembers her joy in the moment, her spontaneous singing and the care she put into everything she cooked.
In the 1980s, Sharon became involved with the Maycourt Club of Oakville, volunteering for over 25 years with dedication and enthusiasm. She enjoyed tennis at the Ontario Racquet Club, and playing golf as a member of the Trafalgar Golf and Country Club.
Following Bruce’s passing, Sharon made her home at Ennisclare in Bronte, Ontario, where she found friendship and a community she loved. She delighted in social gatherings, wine tastings and weekly Mahjong, as well as jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku and word scrambles. Her walks beside Lake Ontario, with exceptional waterfront views, gardens, birds and monarch butterflies, brought her a source of pleasure. After one social gathering, she wrote excitedly to her family, “Love where I live. Never feel alone. Such great people here.”
During the last three years of her life, Sharon moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to be close to Erica, her son-in-law, David Rooney, and her beloved grandson, Jackson. Living just down the street at Amica Arbutus Manor, meant they could spend time together almost every day. They visited many playgrounds around the city, walked Vancouver’s nature trails and enjoyed sharing a family dinner together once a week.
In Vancouver, Sharon again found a warm and friendly community at Amica Arbutus, with social events, movies and a wonderfully large television David set up in her suite, that she spoke about almost every day. Most of all, she loved having her family nearby. Erica will always be grateful for those final years together and for the time Jackson had with his grandmother.
Sharon was predeceased by her husband, Bruce; her parents, Gino and Theresa; her sister, Beverly; and her stepdaughter, Marcia. She is lovingly remembered by Erica, David and Jackson; Derek Timmerman and Kari Bullock and their families; and the many relatives and friends whose lives she touched.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at Mount St. Joseph, including Dr. Ward, for their care during Sharon’s final months. Their kindness and compassion brought comfort during an exceptionally difficult time.
A celebration of Sharon’s life, memorial and interment will take place in Oakville, Ontario. Details will be announced soon.