Sharen Bentley, born Jan. 13, 1948, in Calgary, AB died after a brief illness on Sunday, Oct.6, 2024, in Grande Prairie, AB.

She married Michael O’Donnell in 1970 and had one daughter, Jenny, before parting ways. Sharen’s true love was the late Byron Bentley, who was her soulmate. Together, they travelled to Kenya, Tanzania, Israel, and Egypt—all places Sharen felt drawn to and loved. When Byron died of cancer in 1994, Sharen was devastated. Her family takes solace in knowing they are together again—as it should always have been.

Sharen was a talented artist best known for her pastel portraits and abstract-impressionism-style oil paintings. She was never far from a pen or Conté crayon and if you knew her, she had probably drawn or painted your portrait a million times in her mind. Some of her accomplishments were co-creating the “Zoo Moo” in Calgary (with the late Herb Selin) and showcasing her paintings at Emily Carr House in Victoria, B.C. Her sketches were also used on several pamphlets and posters for the B.C. Ministry of Human Resources in the 1970s.

Sharen was smart, feisty, and a great cook. She had a quick wit and was not the least bit sentimental. She loved her family, but was also an introvert who preferred a cup of coffee and a documentary to social gatherings. As a single mother, Sharen worked hard to provide everything she could for Jenny, while also ensuring that Jenny knew the importance of an education and independence. She was a loving and proud mother, who never meddled or over-stepped, but was always there for encouragement and support.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Jenny) Laminger, and her dear brothers, John and Loyd Sims.

The family wishes to thank the Grande Prairie Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff for their incredible care.

And finally, it is with incredible sadness that we say goodbye to our dearest mother, sister, and friend. The sun is less warm, the clouds a lot heavier, and the days less bright without her, but we take comfort in knowing she is dancing in the winds and painting each sunrise and sunset with the brilliant colours she loves.

“It is in love that we are made, in love we disappear.”
― Leonard Cohen