Sharon Diane Nielsen, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the age of 74 years.

She was born in Edmonton, AB, and raised in British Columbia. Sharon’s life took her through many communities across Alberta before she made Grande Prairie her home in 1977. She spent a number of dedicated years working for the Alberta Treasury Branch. In 1999, she and her husband, John (JR) Nielsen, took on a new adventure together, purchasing Derrick Husky and running it side by side until John’s health began to decline.

Sharon had a deep love for gardening, and her yard was full of colour—one of the most admired on the block. She found joy in planting flowers each spring and took pride in preserving the bounty of her garden. Her passion for the Grande Prairie Stompede, especially the chuckwagon races, was infectious. She and John were devoted supporters, and Sharon continued that tradition with enthusiasm even after his passing in 2012, never missing a single year.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Gordon Isaac; daughter Theresa (Teri) Harder; her parents Chuck and Helen Layton; her brother Bryan; and sisters Carmen and Marlene. Sharon was a proud grandmother to Nathan, Alexandra, Layton, Colton, Victoria, Mathew, and Kolby. She also leaves behind many cherished friends who will miss her warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit.

In keeping with Sharon’s wishes, no formal service will be held, and cremation has already taken place.

Those who wish to honour her memory are invited to make a memorial donation to a charity of their choice.

Sharon’s legacy lives on in every flower that blooms, every jar of preserves shared, and every chuckwagon race cheered from the stands. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.