Sharon Hawke

SHARON HAWKE July 3, 1954 - February 14, 2020 Sharon always wanted to be a farmer. One of five daughters born to Reginald and Hellen Hawke in Sweetsburg, Quebec, she grew up in Ottawa and Thornhill, Ontario. From an early age she exhibited an adventurous spirit, a strong work ethic, and a love of animals and nature, working alongside her Uncle Stuart on his Quebec farm at every opportunity. After earning a degree in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, she went prospecting in the Yukon where she met Gene Drzymala, the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life. Together, they travelled Mexico and Central America, drove across Canada annually to visit family, and built a love-filled life on 10 beautiful acres near Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island. Alternating summers between boating extensively in British Columbia's and Alaska's coastal waters and farming at home, Sharon and Gene lived a life of their own choosing for 40 happy years. Eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild were nurtured by Granny's gentle hand; learning about life as they learned to care for pigs, cows, and chickens on the farm. Sharon's volunteer efforts are legendary, supporting the good work of Salt Spring Island Women's Institute, Island Comfort Quilts, Burgoyne United Church Women, Salt Spring Island United Church, Saltspring Island Sailing Club, and more. Baking, sewing, and gardening were all done with characteristic caring, attention to detail, and consideration for others. Her enduring Christian faith guided her actions and words. Sharon is survived by her husband Gene, sisters Heather (Doug), Bettyann (Steve), Darlene, and Linda (Jim); nephew Mitchell; Gene's three children whom Sharon treated as her own - Mitchell (Carrie), Julie (Cindy), and Suzanne (John); grandchildren Lydia, Hannah, Merlin, Bowen, Harper, Riley, Cash, Sephira; and great-grandchild Norah. A celebration of Sharon's life will be held at Salt Spring Island United Church, on the afternoon of Saturday Feb 22 at 1:30 pm. The family suggests that donations in lieu of flowers be directed to Burgoyne United Church C/O Salt Spring Island United Church 111 Hereford Avenue Salt Spring Island, British Columbia V8K 2T3 or by internet by clicking on "donations" in the left menu.

Celebration of Life

1:30 pm Saturday, February 22, 2020
Salt Spring Island United Church 11 Hereford Avenue Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada V8K 2T3