Obituary of Sharon Maureen Benedict

Sharon Maureen (Cochrane) Benedict

September 16, 1941-October 30, 2022

Sharon Benedict, beloved mom, grandma, and great grandma (Gigi), passed away on October 30, 2022, at the age of 81.

Sharon was born on September 16, 1941, to Tom and Alma Cochrane in Trochu, Alberta, and she was very proud of her Irish and Finnish heritage. Sharon and her older brother, Brian, spent their early years living in Equity, and when Sharon was 4 the family moved to Millet and baby sister (and Sharon’s best friend) Mickey, was born. For many years Sharon’s dad worked as a grain buyer and her mom taught elementary school.  Sharon attended school in Millet and Wetaskiwin, and later went on to the University of Alberta to complete her Standard S teaching certification and follow in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a teacher.

After teaching a few years in Rosebrier and Huxley, Sharon married Alex Benedict in 1964, and they started their life together on the family farm near Wimborne. Daughter Bonnie (1964), and sons Derek (1966), and Brad (1968) soon joined them. Sharon enjoyed substitute teaching, working on the farm, camping, and family time. She was also an avid gardener who was known for her tomato growing abilities and her salsa making. Sharon enjoyed cooking and baking (especially the family favourite butterhorns), as well as music, painting, crocheting, and sewing, creating many of her kids’ clothes and costumes when they were younger. Sharon was a lifelong learner, and throughout the years she took a variety of courses and volunteered for different organizations, including many years with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Wimborne Ladies Community Club. Sharon was actively involved in the Innisfail United Church, and when the minister started traveling out to Wimborne to do services, Sharon became the pianist.

Sharon was a huge sports fan. She enjoyed watching Alex, and then later her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, participate in many sports, and she was often one of the loudest supporters in the stands. Sharon kept her Finnish roots active by taking her grandchildren cross-country skiing and on “walkabouts” on the farm.  Sharon and Alex attended many Scotties and Brier curling championships, and they had season tickets for Red Deer Rebels hockey for over 20 years. Baseball was one of Sharon’s favourites, and she continued to watch the Toronto Blue Jays on TV every night that there was a game.

After Alex’s passing in 2017, Sharon remained on the farm until October of 2021 when she moved to Stettler where she lived at Paragon Place, and then briefly at Points West Living Stettler. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Sharon’s special friend, Gordie Reynolds, whose companionship helped make Sharon’s time in Stettler more enjoyable.

Sharon is survived by her three children: daughter Bonnie (Don) Lynn, and sons Derek (Lois) Benedict, and Brad (Marie) Benedict; nine grandchildren: Bryce (Hayley) and Kelsey (Shawn); Fallon (Jesse), Katlyn (Glen), Jacquelyn (Garrett), and Erin (Jared); and Liam, Orla, and Maeve; eight great-grandchildren: Avery, Hudson, Noelle, and Vaughn; Olivia and Alice; Leni; and Katrina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Sharon was predeceased by her husband Alex, her parents Tom and Alma Cochrane, her parents-in-law Harold and Winnie Benedict, her brother Brian Cochrane, and her sister Mickey Fobes.