Sharon Elaine Caswell

Sharon Elaine Caswell passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Foothills Hospital in the cardiac ICU at 78-years-old surrounded by her family. On October 27, she experienced sharp pains in her chest and she made her way by ambulance to Rimbey hospital and was then transferred to Red Deer where they diagnosed an aortic dissection—a situation requiring immediate surgical intervention. The morning of October 28, STARS picked her up (she valiantly focused on the opportunity for a helicopter ride!) and they delivered her directly to the operating room at the Foothills Hospital.

She came out of the surgery well but suffered a series of setbacks and infections in the ICU. Over the course of 3 ½ weeks, Jeremy, Robin, and their families stayed close by to cheer and comfort her. Well wishes and visits from friends and family buoyed her spirits. In the end it became apparent that she did not have the strength to recover from the shock of the massive surgery and the many setbacks. She left us quietly and peacefully with her family around her.

Sharon was born on September 18, 1947, to Jack and Mildred Caswell in Calgary, Alberta. She and her two younger brothers, Daryl and Gary grew up in the community of West Hillhurst. She attended West Hillhurst Grand Trunk School and then Queen Elizabeth School. She attained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary. She became a lab assistant and met Richard who was also working at the university. Together, they had two children, Robin and Jeremy and in 1978 were able to purchase raw land east of Bluffton and fulfill that 1970’s hippie dream of moving back to the land. With a mobile home, ten sheep and assorted chickens, the family was warmly welcomed into the community. Neighbours lent tools, tractors, saws, fencing, equipment, and lots of helpful advice. They set out to build a stackwall home—designed by Sharon—all the labour done by the family, helpful neighbors, and friends.

Sharon continued to farm a sizable flock of sheep and chickens for many years, butchering at home and selling her meat directly to customers. Eventually, she shifted to cattle and then pastured poultry, continuing her business Country Natural Foods—focused on bringing farm fresh local meat directly to her customers. During her farming life, Sharon also drove school bus, rounding up rural kids and delivering them safely to school. Sharon was passionate about many things: sustainable farming, land and soil management, high quality food and nutrition, reducing her footprint on the earth, and more than a few political causes.

Above all, she loved her family. Affectionately known as Chicken Grandma to her three granddaughters, she was diligent in maintaining her connection to the growing girls. Today they share her passion for a healthy environment, house plants, animals, science, and chocolate.

Sharon is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Robin (Greg) and their daughter, Kate; son, Jeremy (Nicole) and their daughters, Julia and Erica. She will be lovingly remembered by her brothers, Daryl and Gary; three nephews, David, Daniel and Andrew; and her niece Laura. She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Mildred, and sister-in-law’s, Sue and Barbara.

A gathering to Celebrate Sharon’s Life will be held at the Rimbey Legion Hall, 5019 50 St. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Please join her family to celebrate her life. Anyone feeling inclined to wear their tie-dye or bright colors, is welcome to do so.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following:

STARS https://stars.ca/

Bionutrient Food Association https://www.bionutrient.org/

SAVORY -Regenerating the World's Grasslands https://savory.global/