This week marks a year since Mrs Sheedy, Shani Gilmour, Bec Ansley, Dolores Domenichini, Vanessa Hennessey and Raewyn Stewart parted with their locks in front of a crowd of 100 people, raising over $5000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand.
The anniversary has been a time for reflection and remembrance.
Mrs Sheedy is never far from their thoughts as, having met through their children, Lara, 6, and Harper, 2, the women are still very much involved in the life that she has left behind.
Husband Bryce affectionately refers to them as his "gaggle of chicks". They, with several other women, have helped him learn to "be a mum".
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A year since the shave for Sharon. Vanessa Hennessey (left), Shani Gilmour, Dolores Domenichini, Bryce Sheedy, Bec Ansley and Raewyn Stewart. Photo: John Borren.
"It's that whole learning to multi-task around the kids. I didn't realise what I didn't do until I had to do it. Like going grocery shopping with two kids, which is a mission, but you have to do it. And getting the washing out around work. All that stuff was done and I never thought about it," he said.
Even learning how to braid hair. The dedicated dad taught himself with the help of YouTube and a Barbie mannequin.
"It was an effort. I can't French plait yet," he admitted.
He also uses the internet to connect with friends on lonely evenings, when the children are tucked up in bed, and to seek advice.
"I'm probably addicted to Facebook. It's been really helpful. I can put out a 'what do I do with this?' and I will get 50 responses from all over the world."
Mrs Sheedy, whose father died of melanoma when he was 33, was diagnosed with melanoma when she was just 22.
The disease was successfully managed for a decade but returned towards the end of her pregnancy with Harper, who was delivered by C-section three weeks early so she could have a lump removed from her neck.
The prognosis was not good.
At the time of the head shaving, she had recently found out it had spread to her brain.
"Things started ramping up from there," Mr Sheedy said.
The next six months were filled with radiotherapy, hospital visits and goodbyes.
"She was realistic but she fought hard," Mr Sheedy said.
"The fact that she continued to be an awesome mum was amazing. She put the kids first."
He remembers her determination to go on a "mother-daughter camp" at Waihi - their last family holiday together.
"She probably vomited 15 to 20 times between here and Waihi but she didn't want to turn around. She wanted to do it."
When she celebrated her 35th birthday, six weeks before she died, Mr Sheedy arranged a "flash-mob" of friends outside their house to sing happy birthday.
Amongst them were five women with very short hair and very big hearts.
"They were a major part of Sharon's social circle through kindy and school and ballet. I think she would be pleased they are still a part of things," Mr Sheedy said.
"They are my 'go-to' if I need something."
Mr Sheedy has since returned to work and one of his "chicks", Mrs Gilmour, who is a Porse educator, cares for Harper in the afternoons and Lara after school.
"I have a picture of Sharon on my fridge and Harper will often point and say 'Mamma'. It breaks my heart at times, but I am very open about chatting to him about his mum. I have Lara for an hour after school each day and I like to do the same with her. I feel privileged to be part of that," she said.
The past year has been one of grief and transformation for Mrs Gilmour, who unexpectedly lost her father, to whom she was close. She also joined a running group and shed 10kg. In a month's time the mother-of-three plans to resume powerlifting.
"I certainly don't take life for granted any more," she said.
While Mrs Gilmour experienced loss, Mrs Hennessey's family unexpectedly expanded.
Her "surprise" baby girl, Nikita, was born on February 24, increasing her brood to five.
"Life's got busier but at the same time life has had to slow down," she said.
Bec Ansley, whose daughter Milly is best friends with Lara, misses her friend dearly.
"I really miss our conversations, her company and our friendship," she said.
"Sharon was one of those special friends that is a rare treasure in life, the sort you can count on one hand."
Raewyn Stewart, who was Lara's kindy teacher and whose twin brother, Gary, died of melanoma 17 years ago, has over the past 12 months become divorced, lost an aunt and been promoted.
During the hard times she takes comfort from a Rose of Sharon shrub that was planted in the kindergarten grounds in memory of Mrs Sheedy.
"It's a good little reminder to pray for Bryce and the kids, every time I see it," she said.
Ms Domenichini, who has since become a solo mum, and often shares the trials and tribulations of single-parenting with Mr Sheedy, can't believe it's been a year.
"It's surprising how quick time has passed," she said after a photo shoot to replicate an image of the head-shaving, in which Mr Sheedy took his wife's place.
"The one thing I thought was quite cute today when we were all standing there was that it wasn't just the five of us. There were still six people there. Sharon has left but Bryce filled in the gap, especially in the sense we've all become friends with him.
"It's kinda nice."
