Sharon Lisa Hooge (nee: Schroeder) was born in Abbotsford, B.C. as the first of 3 children to Bruno and Elizabeth Schroeder on March 10, 1967. The Schroeder family called several places home during Sharon’s growing up years, including Brownvale, Alberta and Cranbrook. B.C., but Abbotsford was always home.
On Sharon’s first day of grade 12, while attending MEI, she was introduced to the love of her life, Dave, by a mutual friend. After several years of dating, in 1988, Sharon and Dave were married in Central Heights Church in Abbotsford.
From an early age, Sharon had a passion for helping people and was a life-long learner, these passions led her into the nursing profession. Sharon earned her Registered Nurse designation from BCIT. Later she earned her bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Science and Nursing from UVIC, and her master’s degree in science and Nursing from University of Calgary. Sharon was currently enrolled in Charles Sturt University in Australia, and while on a full scholarship was closing in on earning her PHD in Philosophy, focusing on Diabetic Research. She taught prenatal classes and worked as a public health nurse for a large portion of her career, helping new parents learn how to care for their children, which was her true passion.
After 6 years of marriage Sharon and Dave welcomed Alyssa in 1994, and two years later, Jaxson into the family. In 1997 they moved to Calgary, Alberta where Maxwell was born in 2001. Sharon always put her family first and although she had excelled in her career early, she gladly put it on the backburner to be at home and love and raise her family. Sharon often commented that her favourite time of day was driving her kids to and from school. Although there were buses available, Sharon would always drive each of them and she enjoyed every minute of it. She used the time to have deep and meaningful conversations with her kids, moments that they will treasure forever.
Sharon’s selfless personality made it easy to establish a life of friendships and lasting memories. Although Sharon and Dave had moved from Abbotsford to Calgary in 1997, she maintained lifelong relationships with friends and family in both cities, forging new meaningful and lifelong friendships for her entire life. Sharon was extremely loving and loyal, and her friends and family always knew that she loved and cared for each one of them. She had a big heart for everyone around her. She was everyone’s biggest fan, always sending encouraging texts and notes, dropping off meals and/or flowers, and committing each of her friends and family to daily prayer.
For over 3 decades Sharon battled type 1 diabetes. This diagnosis came with a long list of complications, which she never let define or limit her, fighting them with all her might every single day. After a miraculous kidney transplant, where her husband Dave happened to be a perfect donor match, Sharon enjoyed 5 years of increased energy. This enabled her to tandem bike with Dave, go for walks and travel with more ease.
At the end of what was a beautiful Mother’s Day, Sharon had a fall. Sharon was unable to recover from her significant injuries. Sharon passed away suddenly with her family around her in Wichita, Kansas on May 10. Sharon, our hero will always be in our hearts. We will continue to cherish her love, strength, encouragement, and faithful prayers, forever.
She leaves behind her loving husband David; children: Alyssa (husband, Nik) Scott, Jaxson (wife, Abby), and Maxwell; her siblings: Charlotte (Mark) Debruyn and family, Paul (Sharla) Schroeder. Sister’s and Brother’s- in-laws: Jeff & Grace Howard and family, Peter & Carol Warner and family, Jean (Al Hooge) and family.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents: Bruno and Liz Schroeder; Her Parents in-law: Harry and Ann Hooge; Her Brother-in-law: Allan Hooge; Sister-in-law: Norma Hooge, and Sharon’s niece: Jacqueline Warner.
A memorial service was held on May 24, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Sunwest Christian Fellowship Church in Calgary, Alberta. A private family internment service was held in advance of the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Canadian Diabetes Association.
