We say farewell to an amazing life lived. Sharon Lynn King Seveney, 83, of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, passed away January 2, 2026, at the Margaret Bahen Hospice, from a two year journey with ovarian cancer. Sharon died as she lived, positively, bravely and with gratitude for every moment she had on this earth. Sharon received remarkable care and an amazing end of life experience from the doctors, nurses and staff at Stronach Regional Cancer Centre and Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket, Ontario.
Sharon was born November 19, 1942, in Knoxville, Tn, where she grew up and graduated from Fulton High School at 17; she went to the University of Tennessee, but soon changed her path to seek adventure by joining the United States Marine Corps in 1961, becoming a trailblazer at the young age of 18, when fewer than 2% of Marines were women. Sharon served and advanced to Corporal within three years at Quantico, VA. Sharon married 1st Sgt. Russell A. Seveney in 1964, they had two children, Russell A. Seveney II and Shari Seveney Bryant. Sharon spent the next 10 years devoted to military life, with the demands of relocating on and off base from Quantico, VA to Paris Island, SC to Camp Legune, NC to Parsons, TN to Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island, FL, all while raising her small children, with their father away for years in Vietnam as well as ship deployments. Throughout these years, Sharon continued her education in business and volunteered for several causes. Featured in a newspaper article for volunteer work, by her husband’s name, she quickly wrote the editor to demand he start crediting women by using their names, not Mrs. ___.
Divorcing and becoming a single mom, not for lack of love but because of love, Sharon moved with her children to Franklin, KY, in 1975 to be closer to her family. Sharon worked as the purchasing agent at the Franklin-Simpson Memorial Hospital and went to business school in the evenings. Sharon became the 1st female to work as a clerk in Franklin’s US Post Office, earning respect and friendship from her co-workers by working hard at any position they put her in. She worked there for 25 years and became the accounting bookkeeper. Sharon had a strong work ethic and truly enjoyed her co-workers, like an extended family. She continued her education at Western Kentucky University, as an adult student, even taking an ethics class with her daughter. Sharon devoted 10 years taking care of her mother’s long illness.
After Sharon’s retirement, and her mother’s passing, her adventures continued, moving to Canada to be closer to family and to start a new life in her late 60’s, never afraid of change or any challenges. She embraced the cold weather, found new friends and pursued her artistic interests all while continuing to work full time until 73. At Sharon’s last employment, she petitioned and achieved getting supplemental health insurance for herself and future senior employees, as the previous cutoff was 70.
Sharon loved to live her life independently, she treasured her family, was so very proud of her four grandchildren, she loved taking trips, she read voraciously, enjoyed learning about all people, different cultures and studied many religions. She dated interesting men, several from other countries. Sharon loved movies, music and dancing. She never met a stranger. Sharon loved every little and big animal on this earth, especially the many strays and rescues she took in. Her feral cat Kitty, who became completely domesticated under Sharon’s devoted love, gave her immense joy before and during her illness. Sharon laughed at all situations, she could tell a great joke, but could also be so insightful and empathetic when needed. She was the strength of our family, our voice of reason, while also being the lightness, fun and joy of our lives. When Sharon reflected on raising her children, she would laugh and say our home was charmingly chaotic, and her children were raised like a pack of wolves. Her wolves loved being in her home, with the independence she gave them to make good and bad decisions, all while knowing she would always protect their well-being and love them unconditionally.
Sharon is survived by her son Russell A. Seveney II, granddaughter Gryphon Seveney and grandson Atticus Seveney, of Ventura, CA and her daughter Shari Seveney Bryant, son in-law Bill Bryant, and grandsons Ben and Jack Bryant of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, as well as her brother, James King of Bethel, CT.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents William King and Evelyn Willene Pollard and step-father Swan Eugene Pollard.
Sharon King Seveney was a fine example that anyone can make a difference, not only for themselves and their family, but also in making contributions to the advancement of others. Sharon spoke up for change, she mentored others, she was not afraid to work really hard to become successful, educated, cultured, open to understanding new concepts; she truly soaked up what this world has to offer, never more so than in the last two years of her life. She was a beautiful soul, she is irreplaceable and will be profoundly missed.
Sharon’s children plan to have her inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, to honor her service and devotion to the US Marine Corps and to take
her back to the last solo trip she took at age 75.
Sharon Lynn King Seveney — be amongst the stars, your light does not just belong to us anymore; show the universe (the entity you were so inquisitive about) that humans can be amazing, you certainly were.
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