SHARPE, Norma Eleanor February 17, 1922 to February 15, 2022

Norma Eleanor Sharpe (née Osgood) was born in Redcliff, Alberta on February 17, 1922. Two days before her 100th birthday, Norma left this life but remains in cherished memory. She is reunited with her beloved husband, Paul, who passed in 1975. Mom is also with her parents, Alfred and Viola Osgood and her wonderful brothers, Gordon (Buzz) and Howard.

Norma was proud of being a veteran. She wrote the following recently for students and others, to help them understand the life of those who served:

Dear Student: I am Norma (Osgood) Sharpe, a World War Two veteran, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). I traveled across Canada from the western prairies to eastern Canada in my early 20s, to serve our country after the early passing of my father, Alfred Osgood, who was a WWI veteran. My husband, (Eric) Paul Sharpe (deceased), whom I met while in service, was an RCAF Flight Lieutenant who saw action oversees. He flew many aircraft, including spitfires in Great Britain. I served in air traffic control, stationed in the Eastern Maritimes in Canada. My younger brothers, (Gordon) “Buzz” Osgood and Howard Osgood served for the Canadian army overseas (Italy, Holland) during WWII and are now deceased.

I will be 100 years old on February 17, 2022. I have been living at the Irving Kipnes Centre for Veterans since January 2021.

In May of 2021, I was honoured to be invited by the Netherlands Government for a Dutch Liberation Day ceremony at our Kipnes Centre, thanking the Canadian veterans of WWII. In November 2021, at our Canadian Remembrance Day service, I was in the Colour Guard for the parade at our Kipnes Centre, representing the Royal Canadian Air Force. These celebrations as tributes of honour and appreciation for the sacrifices of Canadian veterans, have great meaning for me, and bring joy to me at this stage of my life.

I have worked as an accountant, city administrator and university administrator and have volunteered in many areas till my retirement. My work in the armed forces taught me the value of ethical integrity and work for causes of social justice and world peace. I pass these values on to my family and children of the future.

At the Kipnes Centre, I watch the changing seasons and the geese, rabbits and other wildlife while I fondly reminisce about my life and my days of service during WWII.
– Norma Sharpe

Remembering Norma’s illustrious life are her five children: Sydney (Don); Noel; Natalie (Vernon), Frank (Marie) Leslie (Dougal); and her ten grandchildren: Gabriel, Rielle (Jamie); Dylan, Rachel (Randy), Laura (Jordan); Adrienne, Mercedes (Ossob); Stephanie (Shane), Jean-Paul (Miriam); Karl (Chelsey); her ten great-grandchildren: James, Rasa; James, Athena; Kevonte; Liam, Jeremy, Ashton; Jasper, Jonas.

She is also survived by her loving siblings Velma and Kaye; and nine nephews, one niece and their families.

We are deeply grateful to the exceptional staff at the Capital Care Kipnes Centre for Veterans. Their humanity and devotion to Norma allowed Mom to live her days in dignity and comfort. Prior to her final residence, Mom enjoyed 10 years at Rosedale.

In lieu of flowers, Mom requests you give to the First Nations Peoples House University of Alberta, or to the Dean of Students Bursary Fund or to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service, led by Rev. D.J. Carter, will be held on June 29 at 11:00 a.m. in Redcliff at St Ambrose Anglican Church. Norma will be laid to rest at the Redcliff Cemetery. Family and friends will meet for a light lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the Redcliff Royal Canadian Legion, always close to her heart. Mom’s WWI veteran father, Alfred, and his brother, Edward, were charter members leading the way for family veterans, Gordon, Howard and Norma to follow.

When we hear the wind whisper our name,
we know it is Norma guiding our way.

• Date : 2022-02-15
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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