It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Mae McNally of Emo, Ontario, beloved wife of the late Leslie McNally on June 15, 2026, in Fort Frances, Ontario.
Sharon was born on February 27, 1945, in Emo to Wallace and Gladys Allan. Sharon lived in Emo for most of her life and later she met and married the love of her life Les on November 18, 1966.
In 1967, they welcomed their first son (Leslie) Randy, followed by Keith, Tammy, and Michelle.
Sharon found joy in many simple pleasures and hobbies throughout her life. She loved solving Sudoku puzzles, had a natural talent for mental math, and enjoyed playing bingo. She was an avid bird watcher and spent many years curling. Sharon also enjoyed cross-country skiing, knitting, and crocheting. One of her greatest joys was creating beautiful Afghan blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which she lovingly gifted to family and friends. Her kindness, generosity, and thoughtful handmade creations will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.
Sharon cherished every holiday and special occasion that brought her family together. She loved opening her home for family dinners, filling it with the sounds of children running around, sharing stories, and laughter. Christmas was especially dear to her, and she found great joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren open their gifts. Whether hosting holiday gatherings or welcoming friends and family for a meal, Sharon’s home was always a place of warmth, love, and togetherness. The memories created around her table will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.
She loved spending time with the grandkids and came to every sport, singing, and graduation that she could. She loved all her grandchildren equally, despite Brody claiming he is the favourite.
She will be greatly missed by her children Randy (Patty) McNally, Tammy (Glen) Strachan, Michelle (Rob) Anderson, and daughter-in-law Tammy McNally. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren Kailey York (Brian), Alyssa Strachan (Mike), William Anderson (Brittany), Tasha Norton (Ben), Marissa Esselink (Luke), Paige Vold (Nolan), Brody Strachan (Erika), Kassidy Strachan, Carter Kinnear, Caitlin Anderson (Serene), Meagan Anderson (Treven), Madison Anderson, and Douglas Anderson; as well as 13 great-grandchildren Ryder Miller, Paisley Esselink, Rhett Norton, Casey Wilson, Rylee Anderson, Mason Strachan, Hazel Vold, Lane Esselink, Jordyn Strachan, Tessa Anderson, Abigail Anderson, Scarlett Vold, and Colton Anderson; sisters Marilyn McNally of Portage La Prairie, Man., Lorraine Loveday of Fort Frances and Norma (Ronnie) of Thunder Bay; sisters-in-law Jean Heisler of Emo, Beaulah Larocque of Thunder Bay, Marg (Dale) Johnsrud of Rainy River, Dianne (Jack) Vandenbrand of Stratton and Marlene McNally and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Leslie McNally; her parents Wallace and Gladys Allan; father-in-law Charles McNally and mother-in-law Mabel McNally; son Keith McNally; brother Gerald Allan; sisters-in-law Helen Nelson, Dorothy Gate; brothers-in-law Norman, Donald, Glen and Floyd McNally, Chuck Gate, Carl Heisler, Roland Larocque, and Ed Nelson.
Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11 a.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, Ontario. Rev. Trevor Martin Officiating.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Marilyn McNally for spending so much time with Mom that allowed her to stay independent longer.
If friends wish, donations may be made in memory of Sharon to the Emo Health Centre or Tamarack House in Thunder Bay.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario
