On March 13, Sharon Stapleton, a leader, a nurse and inspiration to so many, passed away peacefully in the VGH Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by family and friends.

“Sharon, her husband Geoff and their family were supported by many VCH colleagues and friends over the past 16 months,” says Andrea Bisaillon, operations director, surgical services. “Without question, her unwavering courage, strength and compassion for others during that time are in keeping with the qualities we came to know and love in Sharon.”

Sharon began her 10-year career in Vancouver’s Medicine program as an RN. Working at both VGH and UBCH, she took on new challenges and increasing responsibilities, serving as a clinical educator, a patient care coordinator, a patient services manager and as the operations director of the Medicine portfolio. In 2013, Sharon accepted a position as the multi-site operations director with Lower Mainland Lab Services, retaining VGH as her primary site.

Throughout her VCH career, Sharon made a difference and left lasting impressions with all. “As a manager, I had the privilege of hiring Sharon as an RN in 2005, after completing her refresher program on Ward 2B,” says Suk Ko, retiree. “Sharon was a brilliant, talented, ambitious, hardworking and beautiful friend who was kind, empathetic and diligent.”

“Sharon was a delight to work with. She was always smiling, always positive and always put patients and staff first,” says Dr. Graydon Meneilly. “She had the ability to rise above the chaos and stress of the moment and carry herself with great professionalism,” adds Dr. Jay Slater. “She was indeed one of a kind and will be missed.”

Dr. Jacek Jastrzebski agrees. “The organizations just lost a truly dedicated and professional leader whom our Renal Program will always remember.”

A leader, advocate, mentor and supportive colleague, Sharon touched the lives of too many people to count. “She was a fantastic patient and staff advocate, and had a clear love of operations and a passion for caring in every sense of the word,” says Michelle de Moor.

“Sharon exemplified authenticity as a leader,” adds Jacqueline Per. “She led through her values, always honest and practical in her advice and counsel, and she was genuinely curious to learn from others. I always knew that Sharon would support me to succeed in my endeavours, and support me to learn from my failures.”

“She had the rare gift of being able to relate to people from all walks of life in a friendly way that made each one feel special,” says Joan Chocholik. And, as many remember, Sharon stood out for her impeccable fashion sense and shoes. Oh, who could forget those shoes!

“The times I now treasure most,” says Andrea, “were our daily 6:45 am meetings, when with coat and purse in hand, Sharon would come into my office, and we would share stories about our time off, laughing all the way! It’s those small, simple moment that will stay in my heart forever. Adieu mon amie!”

Sharon Stapleton Memorial Nursing Education Fund

In memory of Sharon’s lifelong commitment to the development of health care and education, the family has established the Sharon Stapleton Memorial Nursing Education Fund with our VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation.

Donations can be made online at: www.tinyurl.com/SharonStapleton.

Memorial service April 9

A memorial service will be held in honour of Sharon on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 3:00 pm (reception to follow) at the Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, located at 6163 University Avenue, University of British Columbia.