The Lioness has left the Circle.
December 28, 2016: Just minutes before sunrise, as the moon waned to a slender crescent, Sharon ‘Shara’ Loyce Lamont (nee Stone) - Queen of the May, High Priestess Emeritus of Circle of the Winter Moon, Elder of the Covenant of the Goddess, devoted mother, wife, sister and aunt, crafty cook, artist and sculptress, volunteer, teacher, organizer, friend, confident, passionate heart who loved science and magick equally - died peacefully in her home, with her husband at her side and a cat curled up at her feet.
Shara was welcomed to this world by Grace Louise (nee Lust) and Loy Dean Stone, and big sister Denise Elizabeth in Dimmit, Texas, on the ancient festival of Lughnasadh – August 1, 1955. Vigourous and feisty despite being premature, her family physician referred to her thereafter as his “little powerhouse”. Over time she proved to be a Leo’s Leo, claiming she loved any parade so long as she got to be in the lead.
Unfailingly kind and welcoming to all, Shara would feed anyone who appeared at her door, traits she inherited from her mother Louise. A ferocious defender of those she loved, she was tireless in supporting her family and friends. Ever the overachiever, she completed her 3rd Degree in Wicca twice, and served her spiritual community in many capacities in Texas, New Mexico, California, and British Columbia. She met challenges with strength and an innate sense of joy, which carried her through many trials.
In 1997 Shara met her future husband and priest Scott Chisholm Lamont in Albuquerque, New Mexico – rumour has it that he was young and cute at the time. She got to his heart via the standard route: through his stomach. Over the years they had many culinary adventures together. She loved being part of Clan Lamont, and thought all men looked great in kilts. As a couple, they were the recipients of two miracles: Micaela Grace Lamont in 2003, and Ruairi Alwyn Chisholm Lamont in 2011. Scott, Micaela, and Ruairi were the bright lights of her life, and her only stated regret was leaving them too soon. Shara was predeceased by her parents, but in addition to her sister, husband and children is survived by two nephews, two grand-nieces, two Goddess-daughters, and extended family amongst the Lamonts in Alberta and the Lusts in Texas.
There will be a celebration in honour of her life, service, and journey in February in Grand Forks, B.C., where she has lived for the past 7 years.
A formal Passing Over Ritual will be arranged to take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico at a later date.
There can never be enough thanks for the staff and physicians at Boundary District Hospital and the Home Care program in Grand Forks, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, Kelowna General Hospital and the Southern Interior Centre of the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver General Hospital, and the NIH Research Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Shara’s family has been blessed with love and support from so many friends and community members that it would be impossible to name them all, and there are not enough words to describe the kindness shown.
Shara always loved flowers, but she would ask that rather than send flowers, send donations in her memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society, or to the Southern Interior Rotary Cancer Lodge to support lodging costs for rural patients undergoing treatment away from home. Then plant some flowers in the spring – really pretty ones, fit for a Queen.
It is all a Miracle.
Blessed Be.