STRELAU – Sharon Anne Strelau (nee: Howat) January 14, 1947 – May 5, 2016.

It is with heavy hearts we announce that the beloved wife of Edward Arno Strelau has passed away suddenly in Shellbrook Hospital, the morning of May 5, 2016. Sharon battled an auto immune disease called Myasthenia Gravis for the last two years. This disease came with many obstacles, which we believed she would overcome, but unfortunately, in the end, it won.

Sharon grew up in the Blue Heron District; the youngest of three children born to Thomas and Ila Howat. Her older brother and sister, Earl and Joyce, doted on their little sister. Sharon met Eddie Strelau in 1963 and they married in February 1965. Soon after Darwyn Edward was born on July 2, 1965, thirteen months later on August 4, 1966 came Shawn Michael. Five years later on February 6, 1971, their only daughter named Cora-Lee Michelle joined the family. The family wouldn’t be complete until November 24, 1978 with the birth of Evan Thomas, the youngest son.

Ed and Sharon were kept busy on the farm with their Simmental cattle, Arabian horses, grain farming and keeping up to the huge garden Sharon so proudly tended to.  Sharon was considered an expert in the kitchen – between her cooking, baking and canning most would tend to agree. She absolutely loved her flowers and enjoyed thirteen years working at K-5 Market Garden to pay off her annual flower bill. After semi-retiring from the farm in 2006, they relocated to their beautiful acreage, on the east side of Canwood, near the Regional Park.  In 1987, Tyler, the first of 10 grandchildren was born. From there, came Ashton, Drew, Teneille, Shelby, Keenan, Jordie, Brody, Gabrielle and Waylon. Her grandchildren were incredibly special to her and they were very close to their Grandma. Her famous Rickity Uncle cake will be truly missed at each of the grandkids’ birthdays.

Sharon is survived by her husband Edward of Canwood, Darwyn’s children Ashton (Timo) of Holbein and Drew of Saskatoon, son Shawn (Jacquie) and children Shelby, Keenan and Jordie of Martensville, Daughter Cora-Lee (Dan) and children Tyler and Teneille Bahnuick and Brody Cyr of Canwood, Son Evan (Karla) children Gabrielle and Waylon of Martensville.  She is also survived by numerous others including, her brother Earl (Gerry) Howat, in-laws Linda (Art) Young, Melba Cariou, Leona Willoughby, nieces, nephews and friends. Sharon was predeceased by her son Darwyn, parents Ila and Thomas Howat, sister Joyce Plaschewsky, Ray Cariou, Walter Willoughby, and nephew Jim Willoughby. A celebration of life was held at Canwood Community Hall on May 9, 2016 with Pastor Trent Felstrom officiating. Sharon’s shared memories were read by all of her grandchildren, with Honor Guard performed by the Royal Purple. Private family internment was held at the Canwood South Cemetary on May 10, 2016. Sharon was laid to rest beside her beloved son, Darwyn. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beau “Lac” Funeral Home. Memorial donations can be made to Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada or the choice of the donor. 

• Date : 2016-05-05