Sharon Elaine McLeod

There’s a certain stillness that settles over a community when someone we love, someone who means something, passes on. It’s not just silence. It’s the kind of quiet that echoes. The kind that clings to our skin and lingers in the air. It’s a hush that carries the weight of memories, stories, laughter, and legacies.

When one of us leaves, it never feels like just one person is gone. It feels like a part of all of us has been taken too.

The Black community in Toronto is woven together with threads of shared history, struggle, resilience, and joy. Some would say that we don’t just know each other — we feel each other. We see ourselves in the people who: raise our children, speak at our churches, braid our hair, build our businesses, and show up for us in a world that too often tries to erase us.

So, when we lose someone like that, someone who showed up, stood tall, gave back, and spoke life, it hurts in the marrow of our bones.

There have been reflections, tributes and praise given to Sharon McLeod since her passing on March 19^th, 2025.The untimely death of the well-known community advocate and famed educator has been deeply felt by many who knew her personally.

There were many who shared on social media the many ways that they have been impacted and touched by her life. It is a fitting testimony to her leaving a lasting legacy.

The writeup of Sharon shares details about her: personal, academic and professional background. It states, “Sharon didn’t just walk among us; she paused and occupied and interfaced at the deepest human and institutional levels. Where others left footprints, she carved out imprints that will outlast our memories and reverberate to inform future discourses on justice, equality, race and identity.”

McLeod was born in Toronto to parents Alvin and Elaine McLeod, who came to Canada from England and were Jamaican born. Sharon lived in Scarborough where she completed primary and high school. She attended University College at the University of Toronto where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1993. She then went on to Howard University in Washington where she completed a Master of Social Work in 1995.

Sharon distinguished herself in the mental health field where she worked for 25 years as an Addiction Therapist and Senior Social Worker at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) and Donwood Institute. Sharon will be remembered for being an active agent and visionary advocate for Black Health.

She was one of the recipients of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian awards in 2020. The description of her work states, “An early advocate for Black Health, she recalled the pride she and other thought leaders felt when the BHA successfully negotiated a sanctuary for Black Health concerns we now know as TAIBU.”

Sharon was one of the co-founders of the famous and internationally recognized Faith Chorale, along with Sharon Riley. There have been many awards that this choir has earned over the years. Its many performances can be seen on YouTube and Facebook

In 2004, Sharon became a professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Social Work. She was recognized in 2024 as one of the outstanding Faculty of Community Services (FCS) along with the Sue Williams Excellence in Teaching Award. There is a fitting description of the award on the FCS News and Events posted on May 14^th,2024. It notes, “She stands out in stimulating students to think creatively and critically. Her unique approach goes beyond traditional teaching, challenging students to actively participate in critical reflection and assume responsibility for their learning journey.”

There is mention on how she utilizes real-world events and lived experiences to make the course relevant and relatable with a focus on her mentorship. It elaborates, “Professor McLeod’s encouragement fosters a profound understanding of the significance of dignity in social work practice, equipping us to approach these interactions with sensitivity. She urges them to serve as catalysts for equity, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement rather than being compelled by competency-based social work. Her teaching methods and her commitment to holding us to high standards are exceptional.”

There was an “Expression of Condolence for Sharon Elaine McLeod by Toronto City Council” which was moved by Councillor Michael Thompson and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow on March 26^th, 2025. It reads, “The Mayor and Members of Toronto City Council are saddened to learn of the passing of Sharon Elaine McLeod on March 19^th, 2025, at the age of 54.” The motion describes her personal and professional work and her many outstanding accomplishments and exemplary achievements. It concludes “The City Clerk is requested to convey, on behalf of the Members of Toronto City Council, our deepest sympathy to the McLeod family on Sharon’s passing.”

The funeral of McLeod was held on Monday, April 7^th, 2025, and was live streamed on YouTube. There’s something sacred about the way we mourn. We cry out loud. We hold each other tightly. We sing. We remember. We gather — whether in homes, churches, or on corners, to keep their spirit alive through story, song, prayer, and praise. We don’t just mourn with tears; we mourn with celebration, because we know their life was a gift. A lesson. A light. There were many powerful tributes from diverse individuals and positive reflections and recollections that were emotionally moving. The most touching was delivered by her brother, Justice Donald McLeod in a song at the end.

As a community, we grieve collectively, because Sharon’s presence was never isolated. She belonged to all of us. She was part of our village, and now, there’s an empty seat at the table. Sharon: Thank you. For everything. You are missed more than words could ever carry.