Shari MacArthur-Duncan

   Shari MacArthur, a longtime resident of the Crowsnest Pass, AB, passed away peacefully on July 7th,2024, at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre 6 days after receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  She is survived by her beloved son, Angus of Blairmore, AB; her father Jim, of Blairmore; brother, Colin of Victoria, BC; sister, Lori of Stoney Plain, AB; her ex-husband, Craig; and countless friends.  She was predeceased by her mother, Doriene.

   Shari was born in Fort Nelson BC, on Jan 28, 1970.  She was the last of three children welcomed by Jim MacArthur, a local butcher in Fort Nelson, and his wife Doriene. The family moved to Vernon, BC in 1972, where Shari spent her toddler and teenage years.  In 1987, Jim and the family moved to Blairmore, AB were Jim ran the meat shop in Pass Discount Foods, a business long since closed.  Shari enrolled in grade 12 at Crowsnest Consolidated High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1988. Shari and Craig Duncan were married on July 4, 1998. She and her now ex-husband Craig welcomed Angus, their only child, on March 7th, 2001.

   Shari was an avid artist and spent a year studying graphic arts at Malaspina College in Nanaimo, BC right after high school.  Shari was a recognized artist in the local communities, having had showings of her paintings at the local venues and she also sold handmade jewelry at various markets in the Crowsnest Pass.  Later, she enrolled in the Psychiatric Nursing program at Alberta Hospitals Ponoka and earned a qualification as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) in 1992.   It was in 1995, while working as a youth and family nurse at a group home in Calgary, AB that a life altering event struck Shari.  She fell on ice and crushed vertebra in her neck.  A series of medical missteps left Shari unable to work and started a slow decline eventually leading to a significant case of Scoliosis requiring surgical interventions.  This decline, sadly, defined the last 10 years of her life.   

   Shari will be remembered for her intoxicating laugh, great sense of humor, and her ability to see through anyone’s faults and misfortunes. She was able to accept that person for who they truly were, a human being and equal to her, and anyone else. She cared not about their social status, wealth, who they were or what they did. She cared if you were a good trustworthy person, and if you were, she would accept you into her life. She believed that everyone is equal, and always deserved a second chance, no matter what. She would often speak with less fortunate people and do anything in her power to understand and help them, even if she herself was struggling with health issues. She would make them feel accepted and cared for, she was a genuine caring and loving soul!

   Shari’s main passion besides spending time painting and making art, listening to music, prepping for holidays and birthdays, watching her favorite movie and tv show, sitting at the lake or river, hiking, swimming or walking, was spending time with her beloved son, Angus. She was the best mother she could have been, always offering a helping hand when something was wrong, getting outdoors and going on various hikes with him and spending time together gardening, painting, walking, attending his sports practices and tournaments (always providing the best apple and orange slices), spending time at the lake, going for breakfasts or out for sushi, basically, doing everything “Momma” loved to do. Her life revolved around her cherished only child. Everything she did was for his betterment. She would be often heard continuously bragging about him to her friends and family and saying how he was her world.

We love and miss you, Shari. You were an amazing, caring, loving daughter, sister, mother and friend.  Fly high!

   With respect for Shari’s wishes, no service will be held at this time.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by Revive the Roxy (www.crowsnestcando.ca).   Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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