Sharon Rae Walsh

Sharon Rae (Steeves) Walsh, 79 years old, passed away with family at her side on Labor Day, September 2, 2024 at Christian Health Care Center, Lynden, Washington. Sharon had coped with multiple health issues for several years.
Sharon was born on January 9, 1945 in Chanute, Kansas to Harry P. Steeves, Jr. and Irene (Green) Steeves. She was a 1962 graduate of Chanute High School. She was married to Patrick Walsh for 20 years. They had three children: Thomas, Stacey and Brian.
In 1975, the family moved to Iola, Kansas, when Sharon and Pat opened and co-managed the 7-Eleven store franchise for several years. After the tragic death of their son, Tom, and their divorce, Sharon worked in a variety of jobs and resumed her education. She completed her Associate degree at Allen County Community College in 1989 and her Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Kansas in 1991.
During her 20 year career as a Social Worker, Sharon worked as an advocate and support for children in foster care, families with multiple vulnerabilities, aging adults, as well as with people with disabilities, mental health challenges and psychiatric conditions. Sharon relocated to Washington state in 2004 to revel in the delight of becoming a grandmother.
Sharon treasured her many friendships and loved spending time with friends and family. Sharon had a special talent for making every space homey with her ingenuity in home decorating and arts and crafts. She was an enthusiastic fan of many sports, especially college basketball and football. She loved to accessorize and had game day shirts for watching the Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents, brother, Larry, infant twin sister, Shirley Kay and her son, Tom. Survivors include: her daughter, Stacey Walsh, son-in-law Bill Lewington and grandchildren Kyle and Erin of Burnaby, BC, Canada and her son, Brian Walsh, of Blair, Nebraska, as well as her sister-in-law, Barbara Steeves, aunts, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2 pm (4 pm Central Time) at St. Timothy Anglican Church, 4550 Kitchener, Burnaby, BC. The service will be live-streamed on-line as well as recorded for later viewing. Arrangements for burial in Chanute are pending. The service links and additional details will be updated on the Mount Baker Cremation Society website: https://gb774.app.goo.gl/xrPoa