Tribute

Sharon Anne Kelly was born in Prineville, Oregon on October 25, 1942, to Rev. Lowell and Thirza Kelly. Being raised in a Christian home, Sharon was often moving with her family to various communities in Oregon and Washington where she saw her father love and care for others as he pastored or held revival camp meetings.
After graduation in Deer Park, Washington, Sharon worked for a period of time in a nursing home caring for others until she felt the Lord encouraging her to attend Bible College. She registered to attend British Columbia Bible Institute (Western Pentecostal Bible College/Summit). She packed her trunk and boarded a train to Canada. During her 2-year stay at school, she met the love of her life Leonard (Len) Klassen.

Upon her return to the USA, Sharon’s desire, and love for caring for others lead her to nursing school where she was taking training to become a Licenced Practical Nurse. Sharon learned if she was to work in Canada, she would be required to repeat her education as Canada did not recognize the training she had received in the United States. Len soon asked his “Shari” to be his wife. On November 2, 1963, Sharon became Len’s lifelong partner in a ceremony in Spokane, Washington.
Mr. & Mrs. Klassen made their first home in Allison Pass, BC where Len worked for the Ministry of Highways. His career took them from there to Prince Rupert, where their first daughter Leanne was born, to Prince George, where Lori joined the family, on to Nelson and finally to Abbotsford, BC. Sharon didn’t pursue her career in nursing while in Canada but found employment in the restaurant or retail sector in almost every location the happy couple moved to. Sharon’s caring touch was applied at home with her family, at work with her co-workers and customers and all that she did.

Sharon’s talents shone in her ability to make the family home beautiful during the holiday seasons and her hand at sewing and painting. Len often created her wooden projects to paint, including accent furniture and wall art. Most notable is a wonderful example of her tole painting skills on a beautiful blanket box. Her daughter Lori encouraged her to participate in an art show where she and her lovely blanket box won first place. What a great honour.

Sharon loved her family. Her family grew with the marriages of their two daughters and 6 grandsons, and great granddaughter whom she loved deeply. Her family legacy – she gave selflessly and with grace.

Sharon went home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2022. She was predeceased by many family members and friends, including her parents Lowell & Thirza, brother Robert and most recently her son-in-law Lou Oostenbrug. Sharon will be deeply missed by her best friend and love of her life, Len, daughters Leanne Enns (Andy), Lori Oostenbrug, sister Rebecca Pearson. Grandchildren: Oliver Enns (Brandi), Alexander Enns, Bradley Oostenbrug, Nicholas Oostenbrug, Stevan Oostenbrug, Louie Oostenbrug Jr., great-grand daughter Briar Rose Enns and, many extended family members in Canada and the USA.
A Celebration of Life for our beautiful Sharon will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 1:00 pm with reception to follow at Ross Road Community Church, 3160 Ross Road, Abbotsford, BC. All are welcome to attend.