August 29, 1947 – November 10, 2024
at the age of 77 years:
It is with saddened but hopeful hearts that we announce the passing of Sharon Ruth Peterson (MacFarlane) on November 10th, 2024 at the age of 77 years.
Sharon was born to parents, Clarence and Cora Alberta MacFarlane in Saint John, New Brunswick on August 29th, 1947, the oldest of five children. There, Sharon and her siblings grew up in a home attached to her mother, “Bert’s” corner store which was a hub of connection for their community.
Sharon met her sweetheart, Malcolm, in 1968 at New Brunswick Bible Institute. They were married in Saint John in 1971 but moved shortly thereafter to Georgetown, Ontario, where their first child was born. In 1973, drawn back to the province of their roots, the young Peterson family returned to New Brunswick and ultimately settled in the town of Hartland where they began raising their children amongst a community of extended family and friends and during which time 7 more children were born to the Petersons including their son Mark who died of SIDS in 1975 at 3 months of age.
10 years later, the Petersons felt called to mission work and packed up their family to move to Calgary, Alberta where the youngest of their 9 children was born. Sadly, only a few days before leaving New Brunswick, their daughter, Rachel was tragically killed in a car accident. Despite their heavy hearts, the Petersons continued west, beginning a new life in the city.
Over the years, amidst the responsibilities of caring for a busy family, Sharon enjoyed gardening, baking, volunteering at the local church, and teaching ESL classes. Sharon’s quiet hospitality was appreciated by all who knew her – friends, family, and strangers alike – the Peterson table was frequently surrounded by many added guests. Sharon also found some of her greatest joys in hosting, cooking for, and connecting with her 21 grandchildren.
Upon retirement, and due to increasing health concerns, Sharon and Malcolm moved to Salmon Arm to live with family. Despite a prolonged and debilitating battle with Parkinson’s disease, Sharon continued to maintain a garden and to serve and play host to any who came to visit. Sharon passed into glory while at home, surrounded by family on November 10th, 2024.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Cora Alberta, brother, George, son, Mark, daughter, Rachel, and granddaughter, Asia. Sharon is survived by her husband, Malcolm, siblings, Ariel, Francis, and David, children, Micaiah, Matthew, Esther, Andrew, Elisabeth, Rhoda, and Aaron along with twenty grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Sharon’s life was one of care and service to others and she will be missed dearly by those she loved.
A service to commemorate her life will be held on Saturday, November 16th, at 11:00 AM PST at Broadview Evangelical Free Church in Salmon Arm with a reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to Parkinsons Canada.
Dear Malcolm and family, Heather and I extend our sincere condolences to you in Jesus’ name on the passing of Sharon. We have good memories of being hosted in your home in Calgary and truly Sharon was a saint. Her intentional caring for her family and all who came into your home was an example of the love and compassion of Jesus. I especially remember in 1987 Mac when you and I were on a road trip together and Sharon was holding down the household alone. Ladies in the church were encouraging Sharon to get a job and get out of the house and she affirmed on the phone that her first love and life time commitment was to her children and your home. May many follow in her example of persevering love.
I’m so sorry to hear of Sharon passing. My sincere condolences to the family. Sharon was a very kind and sweet lady to me. My love and prayers are with the family at such a sad time.
Malcolm and family, We are so sorry to hear the news of Sharon’s passing. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with you. Grateful to know she is safely in the arms of Jesus.
I was greatly encouraged by the wonderful homegoing service for Sharon, which I attended online. The great tributes to her by family and friends demonstrated the enduring legacy that she left behind for many. May this legacy help bring some solace to reduce the heartache of this temporary loss. She is a wonderful lady. I continue to pray for the family.
Mac sorry for your loss didn’t know Sharon really well but what I knew and saw of her she was a great Christian Wife and Mother etc
May our Great God comfort you
Love in Christ
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and Mom. Sharon and Mac have been dear friends of my parents (Mark and Luella Bredin) for many many years…have been praying for and thinking of you all.❤️
Malcolm and family.
We were sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother. We have so many fond memories of you all before you moved out west. We will be praying for your family.
We were sad to hear about Sharon’s passing and our thoughts are with all of you.
Diane and Jeff Rushton
I am so sorry and my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family. Sharon was someone i had always looked up to i loved and admired her for the way she gave her all to family and loved ones. She has a special place in my heart where i can always go to and pull strength and her love if i am in need ♥️
Our heartfelt condolences to Malcom and his children in your loss of a loving wife Mother and Grandmother. Sharon was a kind hearted women who always served wherever she could and we have been welcomed and served at their table for lunch, several times. We will miss her physical presence at church and at JOY Fellowship ( seniors group) at Broadview evangelical free church. May God grant you all His Peace and Comfort.
Zina and Bill
Malcolm and family: We are saddened to hear of your family’s loss. May Christ continue to be your strength and his peace fill your hearts in this season of grief.
God bless you all!
James and Harriet
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We are so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to Malcolm and your family at the loss of a dear wife, mother and grandmother, so dear to all of you!
Dear Malcolm and family, we are praying for each of you to experience the comfort only God can give.
Your precious Sharon will certainly be missed in our Broadview church family, but we will meet her again in heaven.
Dear Malcom and Family,
We pray you find your comfort and hope in Jesus in your recent loss of wife and mother. We hope to visit the service on line if we can. Our love and prayers, Richard and Marilyn Schlitt
Sharon and Malcolm have been friends of our family for many years. Our hearts ache for you but we know there is coming a glad reunion!