Murdock, Sharon Margaret (78)

June 29, 1946 – July 9, 2024

It is with deep regret the family announces the passing of their sister, Sharon, at Health Sciences North on July 9th, 2024. Born in Sudbury to the late Harry and Monica (Muldoon) Murdock, she is survived by her siblings, Kilby (Barb), Myles (predeceased 2023) (Cathy), Sean, Marian (Colin) (both predeceased), Kelly (Eric), Kathleen (Roger) and Brendan (Lisa). Sharon was a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews, Kyle, Meagan, Liam, Keely, Alecia, Conor, Seana, Dawn, Georgina, Karen, Preston, Emily, Matthew, Howard, Eleanor-Grace, Jenna, Eric, Jon, Paul, Keir and Kilby and many great nieces and nephews. They were all the children she never had, although she did have many fur babies over the years. Sharon was educated at Ottawa Teacher's College, the University of Windsor and Laurentian University, receiving a law degree in 1984. She worked as an elementary school teacher from 1967 to 1979 and was a principal and teacher with the Ministry of Education's Northern Corps from 1975 to 1979, working in isolated communities and one-room schools. She left her teaching career to attend the School of Commerce in Windsor. Just before entering her last semester for a B. Comm., Sharon embarked on a legal career, articling with the Crown Attorney in Windsor in 1984-85. She was called to the bar in 1986.

Sharon’s involvement with the NDP spanned many decades. After Law School she returned to Sudbury and was employed by the Nickel Belt MPPs. In 1990, Sharon decided to run for MPP Sudbury and won; serving the Riding until 1995.  

 In government, she served on the Standing Committee on Resources and the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly.  She was the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour for the duration of the government.  In that capacity, she carried numerous pieces of legislation through the Legislature, including a bill that allowed a ‘proxy’ job to be used as a compactor for female jobs that didn’t have similar occupations to determine ‘equal pay for equal work.’  Sharon also introduced two Private Bills which successfully passed during her tenure at Queen’s Park.  The first, in 1992, granted Nipissing University its Charter to act as an Independent University.  The second, the Avian Emblem Act, passed in April 1994, making the loon the official bird of the province.  Matthew Conroy of Walden, who had won a provincial contest in 1987 for his choice of the loon as the official bird, was at Queen’s Park when the Bill passed. She was a mentor to many up-and-coming NDP candidates.

Sharon then worked at the Sudbury and Manitoulin Training and Adjustment Board for 16 years until her retirement. She volunteered and participated on various committees and organizations over the years.

The family would like to sincerely thank the nurses and doctors in ICU at Health Sciences North for their kindness and care.

Per Sharon’s request, there will only be a celebration of life in the Fall. Donations can be made directly to NDP Sudbury Riding Association or Health Sciences North ICU would be appreciated.