Obituary of Sharon McPhail

MCPHAIL, Gail Sharon – In the comfort of her home, Sharon McPhail passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at the age of 79.  She was the beloved wife of the late David McPhail (2017). Dear step-mother of Michael (Deidra) McPhail, Glenn (Kelli) McPhail.  Cherished grandmother of Ashley, Corrine, Caleb, and Breezy. Cherished daughter of the late Fred and Stella Filjeski. Dear sister of the late Fred Filjeski and the late Bev Hawley and sister-in-law of  the late Jane Dalton (2016) & her husband Bill and Peter (Jennie) McPhail. Special aunt to Ron (Linda) Dalton, Patricia (Morris) Deschenes, Maureen Parking (Al Stephenson), Derek (Donna) Dalton, Susan (Steve) Kielt, Elizabeth (Dave) Messeroll and Glen (Amy) Hawley.  She was a proud Great Aunt to several great nieces and nephews.  She was a dear friend of both Alice & Paddy and maintained a close relationship with her cousin, Tracy Roketta, along with her monthly lunch ladies.

Sharon, along with the love of her life David, enjoyed a lifetime of travelling, boating and being actively involved in the community. Sharon accomplished many things in her 79 years. As an educator, Sharon began her career as a teacher in her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. She brought her expertise to Sarnia where she taught through the Lambton County Board of Education. She was treasurer and president of the Consultant/Coordinator Association of Primary Educators (CAPE) where she was instrumental in implementing the Junior Kindergarten program across the Board.  She served as Executive and President of the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education and was recognized for her contributions to the math program across Ontario.  She and David wrote several primary math textbooks where you could often find the names of their children, nieces and nephews. She was a leader at both Provincial and National educational conferences (FWTAO, OAME).  She was the recipient of the Isobel Lawson Award and the Frances Poleschuk Award for excellence in education.  Throughout her 35 years as an educator many of her colleagues became her closest friends that she cherished dearly. In retirement, David and Sharon started an innovative boating business ahead of its time. Boatcan began quietly making waves throughout the internet as an online platform for both boat brokers and private sellers selling their boats and wishful buyers fulfilling their dreams. Their success of this business was evident as they were recognized in the boating industry across Canada.  In the Community of Sarnia, she served on the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce. Sharon your family, your friends, and your colleagues will always carry your memory in our hearts!

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (sign up not required for visitation). Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory and maximum visitors at one time and social distancing will be strictly enforced. A Celebration of Life for Sharon will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 429 Indian Rd. N., Sarnia on Friday, November 19^th at 11 a.m. Due to COVID there is limited seating at the church. Signup to attend is required  at this link: https://signup.com/go/sMOpNuv or call the funeral home at 519-344-3131.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Redeemer Lutheran Church.   Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com