We are very sad to share with you that Sharon passed away the morning of January 27 at the Lakeridge Health Centre in Oshawa.

Sharon Lee (Luff) Gerard (born August 2, 1950) is a person who inspired a lot of adjectives. People always tell us she was feisty, fierce, independent, smart, articulate, passionate and sometimes obstinate. Mom was a person who lived on her terms in the way that she felt was right for her. Her heart was always on her sleeve and her spirit shined brightly like the red-dyed hair that she chose to have in recent years. She even cleaned her house with powerful intensity.

Our mom had a strong belief in the importance of politics, social justice and women's rights. Her two decades of work as a law clerk on very high profile cases at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General attested to the desire she embodied - that individually and collectively we can make a difference if we have the will to do so.

Our mom loved music and to go out dancing and was a huge fan of Elvis. If you want to listen to some music to remember her by - her favourite song was Hungry Eyes and she told us she wanted her passing to be honoured musically through the Bette Midler song "Wind Beneath My Wings".

We were blessed to see her for love and laughter the day before she passed. While she couldn't remember the day or month, when we asked her who the current President of the U.S. was she exclaimed "Joseph R. Biden thank God!" and pumped her fists in victory. That was our mom, a truly one of a kind soul.

Most of all she loved her family and friends and we thank those of you who knew her for enriching her life and helping her through hard times. We invite you to share your thoughts and condolences below. Sharon requested donations on her behalf be sent to the Durham Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health or to your local women's shelter.

"Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear." -- John Lennon