Margaret Sharleen Byers

February 22, 2016

BYERS, Margaret Sharleen (nee Digweed)

Sharleen Byers passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the age of 65 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Sarah) and Mark; grandchildren, Lola and Molly, her mother, Mary; brother, Ken (Joan) as well as several nieces and nephews. Sharleen is predeceased by her husband, Mark Byers; father, Earle Digweed; and her sister, Sherri Digweed.

Sharleen was born in Kingston, ON. She graduated from Algonquin College in Ottawa, ON with a Medical Assistant’s degree. She worked with the Federal Health Ministry in Ottawa and then moved to Calgary where she was employed by the Calgary Sun. Sharleen left the Sun to become a Flight Attendant with WestJet Airlines where she retired after 10 years. Sharleen enjoyed her retirement by travelling with friends and family. She lived her life to the fullest and loved everyone.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Clement Anglican Church, Balzac, AB on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sharleen's memory to:

Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2.

Messages of Condolence

I had the honour and privilege to work with Shar at the Calgary Sun and WestJet. I have not met a more amazing, loving, generous or happy person. Shar had a zest for life and a love for people that was unparalleled, infectious and a joy to be around. Even in the toughest of times Shar always had a smile, kind words and true concern and care for how you were doing. Our Lord will welcome you with open arms and a loving embrace. Rest in peace beautiful woman.

- Jennifer Holteen

Sharleen was a ray of sunshine and I will always treasure my memories of sharing our life stories, travelling and of course laughing together. She loved her boys and her grandchildren dearly and was so grateful for her mother's help in her time of need. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.

- Geraldine Anderson

To Michael and Sarah: Words escape me right now and tears consume me for the grief you are feeling. Please know that I am thinking of you constantly and if I could take away your pain, I would. My sincere condolences to all of Sharleen's family and friends.

- Deanne Duncan (Swales)

I send you all my deepest condolences. Sharleen will always be close to my heart. She was loved by so many and will be missed. Sincerely, Joanne and Troy

- Joanne Hineman and Troy Arsenault

I would like to pass along my sincere condolences to Sharleen's family at this most difficult time. We have lost a wonderful, giving, compassionate and joyful person. I met Sharleen when I was joined a circle of women from Airdrie who shared the same grief of losing a spouse. Over the past 7 years, we became friends and we have laughed and cried together on many, many occasions. Whether it was meeting at Paul's Pizza for supper, seeing the sites of New York, relaxing in Maui or cruising in the Mediterranean, you could always count on Shar to be excellent company. She had the bubbly attitude of a teenager and I am going to miss her very much.

- Jytte Ebbesen

I have never known anyone with a more indomitable and cheerful spirit in the face of hardship than Sharleen. Shar had the most lovely laugh, that was contagious and oh, how she loved to laugh! She was a ray of sunshine at the Calgary Sun, eager to help and to share a laugh. She was full of compassion and empathy for others and was even more beautiful on the inside than she was on the outside. Even the last time I saw Sharleen in December, shortly after she learned that her cancer had returned, we shared so many laughs, some tears and earnest prayers. She showed off pictures of her beloved granddaughters, sons and daughter-in-law and the rest of her family. Oh, how she loved them! Sharleen was a true example of grace under pressure and pain. She was a great teacher to those of us who knew her and loved her. I will always remember Shar and try to live up to the platinum standard she set for kindness and grace. My deepest condolences to Mary, Michael, Markie, Sarah, Lola, Molly, Ken, Joan and the rest of her family, friends and loved ones. She will be deeply missed.

- Licia Corbella

Sharleen was such a beautiful person.....fun-loving, kind, compassionate and truly a free spirit. My condolences to Michael and Mark who she loved so dearly, her lovely Grandaughters, Molly and Lola who she was so proud of, and her dear Mom who so bravely looked after her during such difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

- Cindy Seerup

So sad to hear of Sharleen's passing. She was a lovely person!

- Dianne/Dick Durda

I worked with "Shar" at the Calgary Sun, she had the best laugh, and the most beautiful smile. Her smile would light up the room. My deepest condolences to her family and friends on her passing.

- Alice Giesbrecht

I will miss her wonderful smile and joyful laughter, she was one of the most optimistic people I have ever known. Rest in peace, my friend. My condolences to her family, especially Mary.

- Cathy Gordon

I met Sharlene through her dear friend Carol. We all seemed to love our puppies! I was a frequent caretaker of her beloved fur babies. Her most recent puppies named Mia & Piper were the loves of her life and I know they will miss her as much as the rest of us will. What a fighter this gal was; She NEVER mentally gave up but her frail body eventually could not hold on anymore! Although I did not know her as well as I would have like to have, I do know she was loved by many people and even more pets! Rest now Sharlene, you are in my prayers!

- Tanis Martin of

Dear Michael and family: Please accept my sincere sympathies on the passing of your mother - especially following so closely on the passing of your father. I especially remember her as a secretary at Annis O'Sullivan Vollebekk Ltd. She was vivacious, efficient and pleasant. I am privileged to have known her!

- Michael O'Sullivan

Sharleen has been our client for 10 years. She was a wonderful lady and extremely nice. We had just recently got told about her death, and it saddened us greatly. Another amazing person has been lost, and we'll miss her. We send you our sincerest condolences.

- Kim, Tina, and Ada (from Glitzy Nails)

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