Mrs. Sharon Powell (Styan) wife of Brad, mother of Brady, Brant and Shelby passed away peacefully after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Sharon loved her family immensely and unconditionally. She lived her life to the fullest while battling this horrible disease. Her family and friends meant the world to her.
Sharon grew up at Bouchie Lake and attended elementary school there. She then went into town and finished her school years at Cariboo and Correlieu. During the last years at school she worked at the arena concession and Gary’s Pancake House. After graduating she moved to Alberta to live with her sister Marina. She was employed at several different places among them the SPCA. It wasn’t long after she rekindled her romance with Brad Powell they were married and after their honeymoon they lived in Williams Lake for a short time, the rest of their life together they spent in Quesnel.
Sharon was employed for many years at Dunrovin Park Lodge, which she enjoyed immensely. She made many good friends with staff and residents. She had to cease working there when she took ill, but she really missed them. Sharon always had time for everybody. She was the last to leave any function always had to thank and say good-bye to everyone. She was truly a people person.
Gals Guts & Glory teammates had a special place in her heart. She walked twice with them in the 60K walk. (Weekend to End Breast Cancer). This wasn’t any small feat as she was fighting cancer at the time. The girls put on dances etc. to raise money, they raised over $100,000 dollars from this small community, they always had such great support. We will continue this legacy that Sharon and her niece started. Thanks so much to all of you for your support in their efforts.
Sharon is survived by her husband Brad, daughter Shelby, sons Brady and Brant. Her mother Lillian Styan, brother’s Ron Styan (Julie) and Denis Ford (Linda), half sister Pam (Mac), half brother Denis (Marg). Pam and Denis reside in England. Sharon had many nephews and nieces and she loved them all dearly.
She was predeceased by her father Denis Styan and her sister Marina Starr.
The family would like to thank friends and family for all the cards, beautiful flowers, fruit baskets, and last but not least the food, it was unbelievable and very much appreciated. A special thanks to St. Ann’s Catholic Church and Gals Guts & Glory for making the tea a very special one. Her memorial was held at North Star Fellowship Church and tea following at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Note from Brad and Sharon:
We talked often, Sharon and I, about the community we live in, about all the support and help that was available at the least little suggestion from us. We felt very proud of our small community and group of friends and family that were always available to us at anytime. These conversations were often in cancer clinics or hospitals as we saw people there with little help or support of any kind. Lost in the shuffle of a big city. So be proud, Quesnel. We are, for all the care Sharon got from her doctors and nurses at home here.
Thanks for everything
Brad, Brady, Brant and Shelby, Lil Styan and family.
A Day With Mom
In the morning she shimmered,
Like fresh dew would glimmer.
She’d start each day happy and bright,
Giving off a radiant light.
Her laugh was like a thunderous roar,
Though she had grace galore.
Her smile was big, her smile was grand,
Which attracted friends from across the land.
She always said “Be kind to others,
And find the good in one another”.
She was always strong and raring to go,
She’d run you over if you were too slow.
Fuelled by determination and a healthy appetite,
She ran after Lance Armstrong with all of her might.
Poor Lance he did fright,
When he caught sight
Of long blonde hair in full flight!!
Fortunately,
Her long-time hero could easily see,
The love and commitment within her heart,
And her deep desire to do her part,
To instill hope and faith
And to carry the message
That “Quitters never win and winners never quit.”
Hockey games and dance, whatever the plan,
She was our biggest and loudest fan.
She showed her love strong and clear,
We always knew that she was near.
In the evening it was time to cuddle,
Around the popcorn we would huddle,
Watching movies and sharing a laugh,
We’d all doze off near the second half.
Then I kissed my Mom good night,
There was a light that shone so bright,
I know it will be there though the darkest night.
Love you Mom
Brady, Brant and Shelby
A Real Superhero
Some say superheroes live among us and I believe that’s an understatement. I believe that a power far greater than any superhero’s is alive, breathing and living like any other human. Some people might not get it, might not understand but I’ve lived with and loved someone with this power for the last 5 years. I say that anyone who can stand up to the beast has the power. This beast tries to rip families to shreds. It tries and sometimes succeeds. But with my family it’s a different story. The beast... cancer is the world’s most deadly disease; it can strike anyone at anytime. but it seems as if my mother was ready to fight back at anytime. Cancer might have only attacked my mother but if affected all of us. From the day I got up and heard my mother and father crying until today I haven’t stopping thinking why us, what have we done wrong. I now know that it’s not what we’ve done wrong but what we’ve done right. My mother is alive that’s something we’ve done right. She has the strength to do things - such as a 60km walk another thing; we’ve done right. After all the things you’ve succeeded in and done right you lose that awful feeling, and even if it’s just for a moment you know there’s hope.
By Brady Powell
Written by Brady in 2008