Sharla Heather Thompson
Obituary
Thompson, Sharla Heather…
With breaking hearts we share that our beloved Sharla passed away unexpectedly on 10 July 2026, aged 51. She is profoundly missed by her devoted husband Michael and her talented children Sid and Oliver; her parents Peter and Marlene Lee; her sister Sherry Lee and her brother-in-law Gregory Lee Newsome; so many family members and more treasured friends than we can count.
Her gorgeous smile always at the ready, Sharla was one of the most beautiful, loving, thoughtful, wise and caring people anyone could wish to know. A graduate of Western University (B.A. English literature) and the University of Guelph (RVT), her career comprised 24 years of work in animal care, culminating in her role as Supervisor of Biology Animal Facilities at Western University. In her personal life she enjoyed fireside evenings, game nights, swimming and cottage vacations with her cherished family. An avid reader with a gift for words, an accomplished musician, and a maker and giver of endless gifts, Sharla was known for her warmth, wit, and imagination, but especially for her seemingly boundless kindness. Her capacity for sympathy and understanding was unmatched, as were her steadfast love and tender support for her husband and children; yet her generosity also reached far into her community. Modest, gracious, and without presumption, Sharla gave her love, time, energy, resources and compassionate insight without stinting. All these words fail to capture even a glimpse of the lovely person we have lost. We are shattered; even so, we are unfathomably richer as a family for having shared in her extraordinary life. She will always live, unforgotten, in our hearts.
Family members and friends extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff in the ICU at University Hospital, London.
In Sharla’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, or a charity of your choice.
A gathering to celebrate Sharla’s life will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at Quiet Earth Farm, 1681 Hunt Rd, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G6. Friends, relatives, and well-wishers are warmly invited to stop by between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Sharla and I are distant cousins and friends who hadn’t seen each other in decades after our lives having drifted apart in the early 90’s.
Last year at about this time she reached out to me on social media and I was so pleased she had done so.
We spent the next 6 months catching up and learning about all the things we had missed in each other’s lives. It’s these things that I’m compelled to share.
Sharla spoke of her family in the way that we all aspire to be spoken of.
She rarely said Mike’s name without adjectives like amazing, incredible and perfect.
She talked about what a privilege it was to be so close to her parents (physically and lovingly) and how beautifully they had made the transition from wonderful parents to even more wonderful grandparents. She was deeply grateful that her children were blessed with grandparents as amazing as the parents she had been blessed with.
She was also so proud of Sherry and her career at U of T.
When it came to Sid and Oliver, her pride was palpable.
Sid she said, was an astonishingly talented artist heading into a career in welding, and Oliver a brilliant and beautiful mind heading into a future in computer engineering.
Both, most importantly were kind and so generous with their love.
I’m grateful for the time Sharla and I spent reuniting if only online. We spoke often of getting together so our families could meet.
In our last exchange I ended by saying “2026 the year Jason and Sharla reunite”.
I’m sorry that didn’t happen physically but grateful that we had what we did.
“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may”
Don’t put it off folks.
To Peter and Marlene, Sherry, Mike, Sid and Oliver – I send you all so much peace and love.
Sharla I know you’re resting easy. It’s so clear you earned it with all the love and kindness you shared in this place.
An unimaginable tragedy to have lost such a beautiful person. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Sharla certainly felt her warmth and infinite kindness. My heart breaks for her children and her family. She will be greatly missed by the humans who worked alongside her and the countless animals who benefited from her compassion and dedication.
Mike, Sid, and Oliver,
Our hearts are absolutely shattered that you have lost your amazing wife and mother, and the world has lost such a beautiful soul. You are all in our prayers.
Michael and family
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sharla was a wonderful, sweet and compassionate woman.
Our prayers are with all of you.
Mike & Family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of Sharla. I met her years ago at Western – and it was obvious from day 1, the care and compassion she had for her work and the entire campus community. She made our University a better place! I think back fondly on the lighthearted chats that I had with her. Sending you strength in the days ahead.
Mike, Sid and Oliver
I am so sorry for your loss
Sharla loved you guys so much and talked about you all the time.
She was an amazing friend to me. She made time when I needed her advice. I will also miss her laugh, her smile and her sense of humor.
I will cherish the conversations we had together. She definitely helped me through a very difficult chapter of my life and I will be forever grateful.
This world lost an incredible person who was taken way too soon
Hugs, Jane
Oliver, Sid and Mike. Our lives are better because Sharla was in it. Much love from us all.
I will miss Sharla very much. Her smile, compassion, humour, generosity, and rainbow leggings will not be forgotten. Our offices were next door to each other, which led to near-daily chats in the hallway. It was clear to me that Sharla cherished her family and was very proud of them. Biology at Western will be hard-pressed to fill the gap that her passing has created.
Mike, Sid, and Oliver, incredibly sorry to learn of Sharla’s passing. I hope that many memories of love and good times shared lift you up at this difficult time. May Sharla’s love, devotion, and kindness be forever in your minds and hearts.
Sharla holds a special spot in our hearts❤️She brought so much love and positivity into our restaurant, every time she came! Our family here at Morning Bites are dearly going to miss her! Sending our prayers & condolences to the family 🙏🏼❤️
To our most wonderful neighbors across the park,
I am so very sorry to hear of Sharla’s passing.
Sharla was a positive role model for so many, demonstrating her love and dedication to her family and her unwavering support for all the animals in our park and surrounding neighborhood. The richness she brought to life was evident in her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others.
Her presence touched many lives, and her memory will continue to live on through the people and animals she cared for so deeply. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
With deepest sympathy
Lynn
Not a single thing could relate to this. Wish you all the best forever and always.
I had the pleasure of meeting Shar this past January. We were room mates at UH hospital and became fast friends. I just wish we had more time to get to know one another.
Mike and family. I am so sorry to hear of this news. Thinking about you during this time 💜.
Mandy Gray
Mike, Sid and Oliver
Nolan and I extend our condolences to you all…we were so saddened to learn of Sharla’s passing. We have so many happy and funny memories of those early years we shared. May she forever be in peace and continue to wrap you all in her arms.
Michael, Sid, and Oliver
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My very heartfelt condolences to the family. Sharla was a wonderful, loving and always upbeat person. She will be sadly missed by everyone in her Western community family.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Sherry, and families,
I was truly shocked and deeply saddened when Vince told me of Sharla’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you.
The news immediately brought back so many memories of my childhood and the time I spent in your home. Although life took us in different directions and it has been many years since we last saw one another, I have often found myself wondering how all of you were doing and where life had taken you. Your family was an important part of my childhood, and I have always been grateful for the memories we shared.
Please know that I am holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. I hope you can find comfort in one another, in the love that surrounds you, and in the many memories of Sharla that will forever remain in your hearts.
With my deepest sympathy, Sara George
This overview of Sharla’s echoed what I remember her to be in High school. She was always with a bright smile and kind way. I was saddened to find this heartbreak out today, but I am so happy that so many people were able to witness her kind soul.
Peter, Marlene and family, Laurie and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Sharla. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Marlene, Pete and Sherry, and Mike, Sid and Oliver,
I am sending love and deepest condolences. My heart breaks for your loss. My memories of Sharla include only the loveliest caring and compassionate person. I am truly heartbroken with you.
Love Elizabeth (Murray) Smith
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sharla was such an amazing person and good friend of mine I knew her from Sarnia, and we met through college age Christian groups at local churches. She had such an impact on me especially since during that season of life, we were all still trying to figure out the direction for our lives. It was those solid relationships that helped me immeasureably during that sometimes overwhelming and confusing period of life. I remember she always had such an amazing smile on her face, and we shared many laughs together. I didn’t talk to her much after we grew up and moved away from Sarnia, but one thing that we did share in common was our boys were both competing in First Robotics competitions. My son’s competitions were in Michigan, and Oliver’s were in Ontario, but it was the same worldwide organization and competition, and we were able to connect and share that part of our lives with each other. We continued to share laughs about our lives over Facebook Messenger even though we had not connected in over 20 years. It’s amazing how some people with whom you share a kindred spirit can so easily reconnect and pick up where you left off even after so much time apart. I’m sad to say that I never had the chance to visit with her while she lived in London, or meet her family. I am certain you are amazing people, especially if you have spent so much time with her. I pray blessings upon all of you during this difficult and trying time. May the God of Peace send you His unconditional love and comfort. I would have made it to the showing but we are in Maine until Aug 1st, so my prayers are being sent with all my love.
We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your beloved Sharla. She was a wonderful neighbour whose kindness and warm smile will always be remembered. May the love she shared and the precious memories you hold in your hearts bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead. With our deepest sympathy
Kamla, Harish and Suman
Our deepest condolences for your loss Mike, Peter, Marlene, and family. We never met Sharla but always heard wonderful things about her. We have donated in her memory to the Salthaven Wildlife, Rehabilitation and education Centre. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tinka, Subal and Tutu (from your Chantry family)
Dear Mike, Sid, and Oliver, Marlene, Pete, and Sherry,
I am so very sorry to hear of Sharla’s passing. She was a beautiful person with the kindest heart. I have many fond memories of time spent with her at Chelsey Lake as a child and adult. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Susanne (Vanderkooy) Wood
Mike, Sydney, Oliver and family, I am so very sorry to learn of your tragic loss. Sharla and I went to Ridgetown together and I have many fond memories of her. I will always remember our numerous visits to the restaurant Penny’s where she met Mike. It was clear that she had met the love of her life. I will also always cherish her beautiful smile and how her laugh could instantly brighten everyone’s day. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.