Passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 10, 2026, in White Rock, B.C., at the age of 83, after battling pneumonia and living with chronic leukemia. Cherished mother of Andy Starkey and Adam Starkey (Elisa Shepherd). She is also survived by her only grandchild Leah Starkey.
Sharon was pre-deceased by her loving husband George Gauld (stepsons Andrew, Peter, Allan and Collin). Daughter of Frank (Mike) Johnson and Clara Cook, Sharon was born in Toronto on July 22, 1943, and grew up in Rosemere, Quebec. After marrying John Starkey in 1962, they spent time living in St. Sauveur and Chambly and settled in Beaconsfield where they raised their boys.
Sharon headed west to Vancouver in 1978 and settled in White Rock, where she lived until her final days. With modest means, she was determined to own a house, and purchased a small cottage on her own near Semiahmoo Beach in White Rock, with some cash and the balance on her credit card. This house was eventually renovated to accommodate all the boys. Once retired and all the boys having moved out, she and George became puppy parents to their two golden retrievers (Max and Hamish), whom they adored.
Sharon was a strong, smart and fearless woman. She was an office manager and worked for several years at Delcan, in Vancouver where she met her future husband George Gauld. After marrying, they started their own engineering consulting firm and enjoyed travelling together for both business and pleasure. Scotland was a favourite because of George’s family and heritage.
Sharon will be fondly remembered for her great sense of humour and love of music, especially the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. She loved her walks in nature, gardening and cooking. An old hippie, caring for humanity, politically aware with placard in hand protesting during the ‘60s, she often frequented Montreal’s Yellow Door Coffeehouse or popular poetry gatherings where she saw a young Leonard Cohen. She loved all things Montreal, from Sir Winston Churchill Pub to Montreal bagels and more, but was always very happy living on the west coast.
In 2007, Sharon was tickled pink to finally become a grandmother to her only grandchild Leah, whom she adored.
A loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and dear friend, she will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace Mum.
