SHARP, Nelda Lila (nee Nowlin)

February 26, 1938 – April 25, 2023


Nelda (Nowlin) Sharp was born in Banff, Alberta and grew up on a ranch (now called the Griffin Ranch) until she started school in Cochrane Alberta. The years she lived at the ranch were very special to her. When she was old enough to go to school the family moved to Cochrane and she has recalled her early life in the form of 50 short stories including her having the only horse, for a while, within Cochrane where she explored many areas around and within the town.

Her parents, Tim and Louise and her brother Tom pre-deceased her and she leaves her husband, Malcolm, daughters, Michele, Cindy (Jamie) and Sue (Sean) as well as grandchildren Marc (Amanda), Cole (Aareille), Hana and Morgan (Glen) as well as great grandson, Lander. She also leaves her sister Gail (Wallace Ramsay), nephews Patrick, Douglas (Jeannette), Andrew (Krista) and grandniece, Jamie. Nelda and Malcolm were married August 20, 1958 in the United Church in Cochrane.

After graduating, Nelda taught grades 4 and 5 in Condor Alberta where she met her future husband, Malcolm. Her three daughters were born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. The family moved to Calgary in July, 1963 where Malcolm was hired by SAIT. In 1973 the family moved to Cochrane where Malcolm had built a house. Prior to moving to Cochrane Nelda had never learned to drive and the move prompted her to learn and after that she loved to drive.

Many thanks go out to the staff at the Cochrane Bethany Care where she spent her last two and a half years where she was loved by the staff and made many new friends. As Nelda did not want a funeral any donations should be directed to the Bethany Care 1000 – 32 Quigley Drive, T4C 1X9. A family and friends gathering will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Alison Van Arnam, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca 403-932-1039

  1. On 29/04/2023 at 8:35 am Jacqueline Donoghue Said:

    I send condolences and memories to Nelda’s family.

    Nelda’s grandfather, George, was my grandfather, Charles’ brother. My parents, Lloyd and Bernice Nowlin, my brother, Bruz (Charles) and I had a great relationship with ‘big Uncle George’ and his wife, Meda. I remember Nelda when she was about three years old. She danced for us in the Fire Hall in Banff. She was a pretty, charming, laughing little girl. Years later, I met her at a family reunion in Barons. She had the same beauty, charm and bright smile. Hold tight to your memories and remember the happy times.

    Jacqueline (Jacquie) Nowlin Donoghue

  2. On 29/04/2023 at 8:38 am Morgan Frerot Said:

    Nelda Was such a beautiful lady. She brought a beautiful smile and spark to any room she entered. Nelda always had great story’s to share. I was privilege to know her. My deepest condolences to the family.

  3. On 29/04/2023 at 12:58 pm Marlene Young (Lahl) Said:

    Nelda and I met when I was 8 years old. Our fathers Tim and Edgar were great friends and because Tim had a daughter, Nelda, only one year older, we were bound together by these two men and developed our separate life long friendship. We rode our horses together and laughed, explored, cried, took Tommy for long walks. We shared friends and were more like sisters than just friends. Nelda had three daughters and I had three sons and even with long periods of separation by many miles and busy families, we could meet and resume the closeness of our old friendship at any time. I will miss Nelda deeply and forever.

  4. On 29/04/2023 at 1:24 pm SAIT's ALIVE Said:

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

    SAIT’s ALIVE (The Association of Retired and Former employees of SAIT and their spouses) extend their deepest sympathy to Malcolm and Family in the loss of Nelda. She will be truly missed.

  5. On 29/04/2023 at 9:17 pm Ken Johnson Said:

    She was a very special person. Hold her memory in your heart

  6. On 30/04/2023 at 5:21 pm Peggy lock Said:

    Nelda was a very special lady. A good friend and neighbour. Graham and Peggy Lock

  7. On 01/05/2023 at 7:20 am Cindy Begg Said:

    Malcolm, Michele, Cindy, Sue and families, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and hope your memories, bring you joy at this difficult time.

  8. On 04/05/2023 at 6:27 pm Rose Janke/Gerry Oatway Said:

    Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Nelda was such a gracious lady with a great sense of humour. May your memories of all the good times sustain you through your sorrow. Our thoughts are with you all.

  9. On 05/05/2023 at 9:34 am Sheryl Meggeson Said:

    Sue,
    So sorry to read of the passing of your Mom. I remember hanging out at your house after school many times… your Mom was always very welcoming with her big smile and laugh and she was always very kind to me. My heart goes out to you, your Dad, Cindy and Michelle. Thinking of you.
    Sheryl

  10. On 07/05/2023 at 2:15 pm Jim and Lydia Graham Said:

    Thinking of you Malcolm and family and wishing you comfort with your memories. Nelda was a good supporter of Chaps.
    Always willing to support our Cochrane heritage. She was a great neighbour. Hope memories of Nelda will ease your loss somehow.

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