It is with great sadness we announce that Cindy has been reunited with Tom in spirit, with her passing February 28, 2024. We imagine Tom was waiting for her since his passing, June 12, 2022.
Cindy was born to Wayne and Edith Fertig, the second eldest of 5. She spent the majority of her youth in the Easyford and Drayton Valley area, enjoying reading and art, riding horses, and playing sports.
Tom Sharkey, was born to Lorne and Gerry, the third of 7. He also grew up around the Drayton area. He enjoyed hockey, ball and riding horses. Tom and Cindy met during high school and married in 1975. They moved to the Eagle hill area to help Tom’s dad, and shortly after bought the farm. As mom often recalled they felt like they were signing their life away on those mortgage papers, 25 years feels like a long time when you’re 20!
They raised 4 children, as well as sheep, cattle, chickens, pigs, rabbits, horses and donkeys on that farm. Tom worked off the farm, spending the majority of his working career as an “operator extraordinaire” at East Garrington, where he definitely enjoyed his job and all the people he worked with and met. Tom had fun playing ball, playing in the old timers slow pitch league way before he was an old timer and he also coached the community league at Eagle Hill for a couple seasons, instilling in his kids the love of ball.
Cindy worked at home raising the kids and taking care of all the animals. She loved gardening and enjoyed starting her seeds in the greenhouse and growing flowers, fruit trees and lots of vegetables, all organically. Cindy also enjoyed reading, something that she missed dearly as her vision worsened over the years. Nothing gave her more joy than hearing kids read aloud, books and reading were so important to her.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoyed horses, riding around home or heading out West when there was time. They spent their life building their dream of a farm. Tom always had a list going, of things that needed fixed, and ideas that needed built. Family, friends and neighbours would often stop in for coffee and a visit, and to catch up on all the things going on in the community.
Tom and Cindy leave to mourn daughter Michelle ( Robert, Gwendolyn, Alfred, and Arthur), son Josh ( Yolanda, Jayden, Soren, Holden, Amelia, Kohen and Aurora) Rory (Katie, Keagan, Max, Ryker, and Jax) Anneke (Fory, Alyssa-Damian & Thomas, and Rylan) Cindy’s family, sisters Sandy and Donna (Garth), brother Doug (Tracy). Toms’ family, mom Gerry Cabel (who passed away March 14, 2024) brothers Terry (Rusty), John (Kirstin), Doug (Stacy), Denny (Michelle) and sister Cindy. Along with many very loved nieces,nephews, as well as extended family, neighbours and friends.
Please join us to honour the lives of Tom and Cindy Sharkey at the Eagle Hill Memorial Hall June 29, 1 pm.
Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
