Judith  Marilyn Sharp nee Shogan died Thursday, October 18th surrounded by her loving family. Her husband Tom, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Kathryn, daughter Erin and son-in-law Trevor all sat with her, until she passed, painlessly. Judee now joins her mother Margaret, and her father Nick, forever in our hearts.

Judee’s career as a primary educator enabled her to share her gift for childhood education with hundreds of young students across New Westminster. She taught grades two and three at Connaught, Howay, Spencer, and Kelvin, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and kindness that is still recalled fondly by her students to this day. The joy she garnered from the opportunity to nurture young minds was incredible, and clear for all to see.

She brought this talent from school to home as she raised her two children. Her enthusiasm in introducing Matthew and Erin, and later Matthew’s daughter Emma, to the world was contagious and inspiring to watch. She fostered her children’s love of the outdoors, art, and the written word, leading them both to find their passions later in life.

In addition to her work with children, Judee was an accomplished, prolific pianist who filled her family homes with music. Her love of everything from Beethoven and Chopin to the Beatles and Abba, led to many sing-a-longs, and dance-parties that will never be forgotten.

Judee’s passion for the arts went beyond just music, including her impeccable taste and eye for all things elegant. The Sharp family moved many times within Vancouver over the years, and so Judee developed an uncanny ability to turn every house into a home, and every home into a gallery. Her daughter recalls her once apologizing that she hadn’t tidied up prior to a visit, to which her daughter replied that even her messes were beautiful.

Judee was a kind, intelligent, and patient teacher, a supportive mother and wife, and most recently, a doting grandmother. Her family cherishes the time they spent with her, and will hold their memories of her dearly, for the rest of their lives.

A private celebration of Judee’s life for family and close friends will be held at her home on Friday, 9 November, from 6 to 8. For information on the service, or to reach  out to the family, please email judeesharp@hotmail.com.