Sharon Hayward-McCallum of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away after a brief illness on the early morning hours of January 20, 2019 at the age of 71 years.

      Sharon was born on August 2, 1947, to Sandy and Ruth Davidson of Oxbow, Saskatchewan. A true prairie girl at heart, she enjoyed spending time outdoors on the farm with her dad and preferred bare feet to high heels. In 1964, she married Rick Hayward and settled on a farm north of Oxbow. For as long as anyone can remember, she could be heard saying that all she ever wanted to be was a mom. That dream came true when she gave birth to her son Brent in 1964 and daughter Debbie in 1969. Sharon and Rick worked hard, both in the wheat field and on the oil field, eventually introducing Circle H Trucking to the South East Saskatchewan oil community. Driving a grain truck by day and doing the company books by night, Sharon still managed to provide a loving home for her family.

     The family grew even larger with the arrival of her son Bradley in 1980, followed shortly thereafter by another son Curtis in 1982. It was not long after that Rick formed Big Sky Drilling and Sharon worked tirelessly in a little office next to the laundry room to help make this business a success that quickly grew and continues to thrive to this day. It was around this time that her journey became even richer with the arrival of her first grandchild in 1991, followed by many more thereafter. She never failed to tell anyone that her grandchildren were the loves of her life.

     Sharon faced many challenges in 1995. After the death of her husband, she moved into a house in Oxbow and bravely stared the second act of her life as a single mom. It was then that she turned her interest in embroidery and astuteness for business into a successful company of her own, Circle H Custom Embroidery. It was also at this time that she met John McCallum, fell in love for a second time, and they married in 1998. Always up for a new adventure, Sharon and John packed up their home in Oxbow and moved to Lethbridge, Alberta in 2006.

     The last act of Sharon's life was marked with a great deal of physical pain that unfortunately limited her mobility and access to those she cared about. However, the scope of her love continued to reach a longer distance than her poor body would allow. Sharon's heart was larger than any of her enormous purses. She loved the colour pink, Charley Pride's tight blue jeans, considered her pets family, and always had a coffee cup within reach.

     Sharon is lovingly remembered by her husband John McCallum; daughter Debbie (Cam) Newman; sons Brent (Tammy) Hayward, Bradley (Andy) Hayward, Curtis Hayward; stepchildren Steve (Carina), Jim (Susan), Carolynn and Ron; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Donna Fornwald and Cindy Mellom; best friend Vi Day; and cherished dog Poochie.

     She is predeceased by her parents Sandy and Ruth, husband Rick Hayward, brother Randy Davidson; and beloved dog Muffy.

     Two Celebrations of Life will be held in Sharon’s honour.

     The first is in Lethbridge at 4:00pm on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. With Reverend Eva Stanley officiating.

     The second is in her birthplace of Oxbow at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the UNITED CHURCH, 504 Peters Ave, Oxbow, Saskatchewan, with a lunch to follow. All are invited to attend.

     Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon and opening its wings for the very first time, Sharon opened her heart fully to everyone who crossed her path. Whenever she smiled in your direction, it was as though she was seeing you for the very first time. This sparkle in her eye, and the faith that all people are intrinsically good, is a gift she gave to all.

     Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.