Sharon Liepins

LIEPINS, Sharon

With family by her side, Sharon Ann Liepins (McElhone) passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the age of 84.  She was predeceased by her husband of sixty years Gunars Liepins, parents Frank and Marguerite McElhone, brother Patric McElhone, and sister-in-law Velta Allbutt.  Sharon is survived by daughters Melinda Mapes (Scott), Laura Liepins (Jason Russell), and sisters-in-law Silvia Gesing (Witold) and Lorraine Van Puymbroeck.  She was a loving nana to grandsons Robert Mapes and Thomas Russell and is fondly remembered by her niece and nephews Lisa, Trevor, Paul, Geoff, Alex and Steven.  Sharon was born in Tillsonburg and attended Mount St. Joseph’s Academy.  Following her graduation from the Mount, Sharon enrolled in one of the first classes in the Radiology Technologist Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital where she met lifelong friends Betty Dodd and Charlene Abray (Dillon). The three friends subsequently travelled to the US, where they worked at Daniel Freeman Hospital in Inglewood, California. While back working in London, Sharon was introduced to her future husband Gunars on a blind date with Charlene and George Abray.  Sharon continued her career as an X-ray technologist with short breaks upon the arrival of her daughters. As much as Sharon enjoyed working at both Victoria Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, she decided to accept a teaching position at Fanshawe College. Sharon’s natural warmth and sincere concern for her students earned her a reputation as a “favourite teacher”.  The glowing comments from many of her former students over the years enhanced our appreciation of the woman we only knew as Mom.  Sharon loved travelling, both as a couple with Gunars and as a family with her children.  Camping with family friends at provincial parks was another memorable experience.  Sharon’s travels continued well into retirement, and she especially loved spending winters in Florida where she readily made new friends.  She will be dearly missed by her daughters and sons-in-law.  Sharon was so proud of her grandsons and their accomplishments.  She had a wide network of friends, and particularly valued her fifty-year membership in Beta Sigma Phi sorority.  Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South in London, Ontario at 10:00 am- 11:30 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm.  A reception will follow.  Cremation has taken place and will be followed by interment at a later date.  The family thanks Dr. Schreier and the palliative care team at Victoria Hospital, and the staff at Glendale Crossing Retirement.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com