August 3, 1942 - April 15, 2021
Sharon (Daniel) Leveque was born in Penticton, BC on August 3, 1942 and moved to Kimberley, BC at the age of one (growing up in Chapman Camp). She graduated from Selkirk High School after having fun playing basketball and belonging to many clubs. She was also instrumental in starting the first women's hockey team.
Both her parents, Rita and John Daniel were active volunteers and therefore her commitment and dedication to volunteering was realized long before she became the volunteer "extraordinaire".
Her years at the family summer cabin at Windermere Beach brought many highlights in her life as there was not one bad moment (or even seconds) during her summers spent there.
She married the sweetheart of her high school life, Eugene, after dating from the time Sharon was in grade 8 and Eugene was in grade 9. During their years in Vancouver, while Eugene attended UBC, and Sharon worked at UBC, they had so much fun and enjoyed life to the max. Following their marriage in 1965, they moved to Kingston, Ontario in September 1966 where Sharon worked at Queen's University and became very active in the Kingston Jaycettes serving on the board in every capacity, including President and winning the Jaycette of the year award in 1970.
She also wrote the "History of the Canada Jaycettes", which was presented at the National Convention held in Kingston in 1973.
After moving to Winfield (now Lake Country) in April 1971, Sharon worked at the Okanagan College Library, and in 1974 became the Director of Volunteer Services at Kelowna General Hospital, a position she deeply cherished, until her retirement in 1999.
Her extensive volunteer commitments included crewing on numerous Theatre Kelowna productions, many projects, special events (including every Apple Triathlon Kelowna has hosted) serving on several boards at both the local and provincial levels including the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the United Way, The Western Association of Directors of Volunteers and the Canadian Association of Directors of Volunteers. She was an active member of the Bust'n Loose breast cancer dragon boat team, acting as the photographer for many years as well as the historian.
More recently she volunteered as an Ambassador at the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and also wrote "the History of the Ambassador Program". However, her latest commitment (in fact total enthusiasm and passion) was serving on the Nominations Committee for the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.
She was such a sports fan for her lifetime and her "HABS" brought her so much happiness. You didn't dare call her or arrange a meeting during the OLYMPICS.
She volunteered in so many areas and on so many projects that one person was heard to say "You are like God, you are everywhere". She lived by the following quote from King George the VI: "the highest of distinctions is service to others"
Sharon donated "numerous" photographs and items to museums and sports halls of fames across Canada which were all truly appreciated and gave Sharon great joy.
Three weeks following retirement she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which, with her very positive attitude, was overcome and then in 2008 she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. As a result, she was the first woman in Western Canada to undergo a hysterectomy by a robot. In 2018 she was diagnosed with leukemia and suffered many side effects from the meds.
She enjoyed socializing at neighbourhood "Happy Hours" and Birthday/Anniversary celebrations and in particular spending time with the most wonderful neighbours anyone could ever have, the Bischoffs.
Survived by her loving husband Eugene of 56 years, sister Barb (Roger) in England and sister-in-law, Louise in California. Predeceased by parents Rita and John "Danny" Daniel, sisters Louise and Mary and brothers Doug and Barry and many relatives.
One of her favourite expressions was "you only get out what you put in" and the T.E.A.M. meant a lot to her - Together Everyone Achieves More. Use her favourite slogan daily - Live! Love! Laugh!
She loved her community and her sports and would appreciate any donations going towards the Sharon and Eugene Leveque Award with the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society, c/o the Central Okanagan Foundation, Landmark One, 306-1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, V1Y 9R9 for awards for Secondary School grads who have excelled in sports and are going on to recognized post-secondary institutions (including trade schools).