Visit the Needham-Jay Funeral Home website to send your condolences and support
Peacefully, at Lambton Meadowview Villa, Petrolia, on October 2, 2024, Persis Patrice “Pinky” Piffard (nee Sharpe), passed at the age of 98. She was the beloved wife to the late John Charles (1969). She will be profoundly missed by her two sons Paul and Donna, and Martin and Sharon. She was the loved grandmother to Denise (Corey) Cooke, Danielle (Dwayne) Vann, Marcel (Luanne) Piffard, Kevan (Bree L’Hereux) Piffard, Christine (Nick) DeBoer, Scott (Mercedes Deziel-Hupe) Piffard, Anne Piffard, Kylie (Cody) Simpson, Robyn (James DeCaires) Hanna, and great-grandmother to Mason, Sydney, Breckin, Maeve, Nova, Gavin, Adelaide, Aurora, Elliott, Emma, Esra, Gaspard, Hervé, Clémentine, Inès, and Isabella.
Sister to the late Louvain McGinnis (1990), and the late Warren Sharpe (1971).
Pinky will be remembered by her nephews and their children. Predeceased by her parents, William and Eloy Sharpe and daughter-in-law, Jan (2010).
Pinky was a woman of courage, determination, strong principals and a woman of faith. With John passing in 1969, Pinky learned very quickly to take charge in every aspect of her life, including raising two boys. The term “Momma Bear” may well have been coined because of Pinky.
Stubbornness might as well have been her middle name, as she approached life with a tenacity that left us all wondering if she might outlast the stars. Pinky was never one to back down from a debate, her quick wit serving as both shield and sword. Her snarky retorts were legendary; there was always an answer at the ready, often accompanied by a twinkle in her eye that hinted at her delight in the exchange. She wielded unsolicited advice like a painter’s brush—always delivered with personal experience.
Pinky’s faith was a quiet force in her life, guiding her through the trials and tribulations with a grace that inspired those around her. She made exceptional hand-made crafts and loved meticulously curated decorations that filled her home, and others, with warmth and joy. Each craft was an act of love, a testament to her belief that beauty should be a daily indulgence.
Knowing she fought until the end, too stubborn to surrender easily to life’s final curtain, she leaves behind a legacy of love and courage.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Lambton Meadowview Villa for their grace and compassion.
Visitation for Pinky will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. at Needham-Jay Funeral Home, 4059 Petrolia Line, Petrolia. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00, from St. Philip’s Parish 415 King St. Petrolia. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the C.E.E. Hospital Foundation (www.ceehf.ca).