Sharon Ann Cooper (nee Kangas)

1946 — 2026

Sharon Ann Cooper passed away in her home in Grand Forks, BC surrounded by her husband (Alan) of 56 years, her two daughters (Shara and Lyndsay), four granddaughters (Mackenzie, Fiona, Calista and Madison), and cat Charlie (the prince) nearby.

Sharon was born December 2, 1946 in Nordegg, Alberta to Wayne and Ann Kangas. A true coal-miner’s daughter, she lived in Alexo, in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies until she was eight years old but her love of the boreal forests and aspen parkland stayed with her.

The remainder of Sharon’s childhood was in the then-new subdivision West Park in Red Deer Alberta where she lived with her parents and her brother Wayne.

She graduated from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in 1964 and went straight to the University of Alberta to become a teacher. At nineteen, she had earned a teaching certificate and took on her first role as teacher at West Park Elementary School, later returning to university to get her bachelor of education.

Alan and Sharon met in 1968, and got engaged in their 4th year of university. They married on July 12, 1969 at Gaetz United Church in Red Deer and began what would be a life full of travel, adventures, love, and a growing family.

She taught in both rural and urban schools: Hussar School, Delburne School, Sylvan Lake (HJ Cody) and many schools in Red Deer. Her last teaching assignment was at Central Middle School.

In 1977 they announced they had added a Mini Cooper to their family. Shara joined the family in July and two-and-a-half years later a newer model (with apparent upgraded features) Lyndsay completed the family.

Sharon had been more than ready to become a mother and she dedicated herself to her family, staying home with the girls until they were in junior high and then only working part time after. The family’s free time was filled with road trips, camping trips, and occasional epic adventures to Europe or a weeks-long road trip across Canada and down through the United States.

With many relatives across both Canada and the United States it was an ongoing family joke that everywhere the family travelled a relative of Sharon’s would appear.

After their retirement, Sharon and Alan bought a piece of property along the Granby River in Grand Forks, BC. The field and river reminded her of her Alexo home. They partnered with Sean and Kathy Noble to build a 19-lot subdivision called Riverside Meadows.

It was also here they built their dream home, operated a B&B, but most importantly made a homebase for all the grandchildren and extended family to come for love, food, and leisurely beach days.

Sharon was known for her easy smile, generous heart, and welcoming nature. She always wanted people to feel seen and included. She never missed a birthday or occasion and collected gifts and cards throughout the year … just in case.

Her life story would not be completed without acknowledging her love of cats. Many cats joined her family over the years. They had the same privileges as her children with a lot fewer consequences. She loved cat jokes, cat psychology, and cat paraphernalia. After moving to Grand Forks she volunteered at the local cat rescue where she always had stories about the various cats under her care.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband Alan Cooper, her two daughters (Shara and Lyndsay Cooper), her four grandchildren (Fiona and Calista McBride, Mackenzie Tryon, and Madison Pillon), her beloved brother Wayne Kangas, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents Ann and Wayne Kangas.

Eventide Funeral Home will host a viewing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29th. The funeral service will be at Gaetz United Church in Red Deer, on May 30th at 10 a.m. after which, Sharon will be interred near her parents at Hespero Cemetery, west of Red Deer. A reception will follow at Gaetz United at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boundary Helping Hands Feline Rescue Society in Sharon’s name.

• Date : 2026-05-16
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home