On July 2nd, 2009, after a seven-year struggle with breast cancer, Sharron passed away peacefully in her sleep, with her husband Nelson by her side and her family nearby. We remember fondly her love of art and craft, her knitting, her beading, her lacework, her entrepreneurial spirit and her love of off-the-beaten-path boutiques. We remember her appreciation for gourmet food and a nice glass of red wine. We remember her interest in different cultures and her passion for travel. We remember how she cared about the world around her with her commitment to recycling, buying organic and driving her Prius. Most of all, we remember her mothering spirit – how she endeavored to help others by contributing to charities, and how she embraced everyone she knew with warmth and generosity. Please raise your glass and join us in a toast to the wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend she was. We can only hope and aspire to multiply the love and nurturing that she showered on us all.
We will be holding two celebration of life events for Sharron, one in California on September 26th and one in Oregon on October 10th. More details will follow.
Sharron's greatest wish is for people to spend time with their loved ones. In place of remembrances do something special with the ones you love. Then share your story with us by sending us a note or
adding a comment to
her memorial blog at http://remembersharron.blogspot.com/ (just click below on the word "comments").
If you have a picture to share - send it via email to cimogo@yahoo.com and we will post it here.
Providence Hospice was an enormous help to us during this trying time.
If you would like to make a donation in Sharron's honor please contact your local hospice organization.
With Love,
The Farris Family
Sharron
2006 Christmas
1971
Toasting for Sharron
from the Lei's, Barbour's, Johnson's, Aveni's, Alexander's and Wilkins
26 comments:
Testing the first comment
I'm thinking of you all so much, and am glad you've had time together as a family.
Sharron has been an important part of my community and I know her energy, smile, and recipes will always be a part of the experience I think of as being my home. Love from the north, Katy
Traveling on joint family trips with us to Vienna and London, Sharon was the fun second mother to me during my formative preteen years in Holland. I was always impressed with the way she raised the three coolest kids I knew (or four if you count Nelson, who to this day remains a kid at heart). Our family will definitely raise a glass to an amazing woman. Josh Kreinberg
Farris Family-
I don't know all of you but certainly Lori is a huge and important part of my (and my family's life). Through her I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Sharon a bit. And I am the better for it. What a kind and generous spirit- and such a model of motherhood. Seeing the relationship of Sharon and Lori has always given me hope for the relationship that I want to have with my daughter.
My kids still both have items either made or picked up by Sharon because she was thinking about them. How amazing- as if she didn't have enough of her own family to think about she was thinking of mine.
I am so sorry for your loss but also I honor the family that Sharon built and know you all cherish what she has left you.
All my love. Erin
July 12, 2009
We are so sorry to hear that Sharron has died. My memory of her is so vibrant. She is and will always remain a gracious and wickedly funny lady. I remember Vienna and wandering with children....stopping in pharmacies to shop. Sharron could shop no matter where she was. A pharmacy or a boutique...no matter. Yes, we will do something with family to remember Sharron. We will all be together on the Oregon coast in August to christen Tricia's new little one and we will dedicate a day of beach play to Sharron.
Please know that I am typing with tears, knowing how much you all must be in pain.
Love and many prayers and hugs for all of you.
I will always remember Sharron...a woman who dealt with life positively with humor, wit and a hug. The world is less than it was.
~
Penny Kreinberg,
Portland, Oregon
July 13, 2009
Dear Farris's, I was schocked and saddened today to find Sharron's obituary in the newspaper. I am so sorry that she has passed away. I will always remember her wit, her vibrance, her joy, her love of live. She was truly unique. I grieve for you all. I wish I could take away your pain. I know I can't, but I wish I could. In the end, though, I pray that you will remember the life that she breathed into all of us and be thankful for the time we could spend together. I love and pray for you all.
~
Bob Kreinberg,
Portland, Oregon
July 13, 2009
I can't beliave she is gone. She was such a light in all of our lives. She Brought joy to all who met her and Love to all who became her family. She was one of the warmest and most kindest psersons I ever new . As your days go on I hope her warmth helps your family through her Lose. May there always be a tree for you leen on and find the support you need in this time of need. a puppy to cuddle and a friend for conversation.
~
Sarah Kreinberg,
Portland, Oregon
July 13, 2009
Dear Nelson and family
Elaine and I are so sorry to hear about Sharron's death. We knew her only casually, but admired her zest for life and energy. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Pete Schmidt
July 13, 2009
Stephanie and I were so sorry to hear of Sharron's passing. It was our privilege to meet her for the first time at the banquet last Fall where Todd was nominated for an achievement award by the Woodburn School District. Please know the Farris family is very much in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times.
~
Keith Sparks,
Woodburn, Oregon
Dear Farris Family,
Words can’t describe how much Sharron will be missed – as your next-door neighbor since I was three, I have grown up watching all of the Farris adventures and loved your pets like they were my own!
In my adult years, Sharron was there for all of my lifetime events – wedding, buying a home and kids. As others speak of her generosity, she would knit a cap for Brandon just like the ones made for her grandsons. Even this last year, she found the energy to knit a blanket for Bethany just like all of the ones made for her grandchildren. Sharron always seemed to have a project in progress for one of the grandkids! I am so grateful for all of the memories that I have – childhood ones filled with home-made Christmas cookies and adult ones filled with stories about her family. Every year, the Christmas card picture has grown with new additions (spouses and kids)!
My heart is breaking for your terrific loss. Honestly, I am a little angry that she fought such a strong fight with cancer and all of its’ trials and still lost. But, I enjoyed getting the e-mail updates about different treatments and combinations that were working along the years….always ending with “XO”.
Know that your family is well-loved and reach out in any way that I can help out.
Tina Quan
Farris Family-
On half of Sigma Pi Fraternity, our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. It was an honor to have spent time with Sharron at our national conventions, especially our last one in Long Beach.
Nelson-
You know we love you so if there is anything you or your family needs please let us know. You're so blessed to have spent all those years with Sharron.
Fraternally,
Larry Rovira
Past Grand Sage
Sigma Pi Fraternity
Dear Nelson: Although it's been a long time since I last visited with you and Sharron, I will always be grateful I had an opportunity to know such a wonderful woman--since our college days. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family and, again, that I treasure my memories of the two of you and the love you shared. Carrie (Ryan) Brookshire
Dearest Nelson and Family, Sharron will always be remembered as a cornerstone to so many events, families and friends. Her sense of joy has been shared by so many and her grace will be part of my life forever.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers ... and yes, we will be toasting her with a really grand glass of wine.
Love, Marsha Petrie Sue and Al Sue
July 13, 2009
Dear Nelson and family
Elaine and I are so sorry to hear about Sharron's death. We knew her only casually, but admired her zest for life and energy. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Pete Schmidt
July 13, 2009
Dear Nelson & Family,
I was saddened to read of Sharron's passing. I believe that she truly touched everyone she ever met. We can all learn from her enthusiasm for life. Nelson, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Tom Beehler, Tigard, Oregon
July 14, 2009
I was sorry to hear of about Sharron's passing. I knew her from the times we were on the Nike, Portland to Hood walk and always had a great time with her. She was so fun to be around. My thoughts are with you Nelson and your family.
~ Cindy (Storey) Lindsey, Hillsboro, Oregon
July 16, 2009
To Nelson and Family, from Margaret and I we send our condolences and fondly remeber a wonderful lady, full of the love of life and so proud of her family. We remeber the visit to New Zealand with Nelson and the Hollisters and of the fine wine consumed, the laughter as tales were told. Sharon was always ready to help us when we lived in Portland and we appreciated that. A wonderful lady at rest to look over you all. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts are with you all. Jack and Margaret Ralston
~ Jack Ralston, Auckland NZ
July 17, 2009
Dear Nelson, Todd, Lori, Bryan and Family--
The brief few years that I knew Sharron left me with a powerful sense of someone who built an incredible family and someone whose presence created a center where all the others gathered. As the other grandmother I feel Oliver is lucky to have her spirit as part of him. With deepest sympathy for you all. Rosalind
Dear Farris Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and am deeply saddened for myself. I'm not sure that you know this, but my parents and Sharron's parents bowled together after WWII! Sharron and I met at Long Beach State through Alpha Phi. We had an instant bond.......everyone bonded with beautiful smile and bubbly personality. My two greatest memories are at Christmas time: the annual letter from the "Farris Five". Although all of the kids have branched out with their own lives, you remain the "Farris Five". The best memory is all of the years that Sharron and I made and exchanged Christmas ornaments. Every year I smile and remember as I put them on the tree. What a gift to have those kind of memories. She loved all of you deeply and I am thankful that she had you close by.
Diane Quayle
Dear Nelson, Bryan, Lori, and Todd,
The day after we returned to the U.S. after eight years in Australia, Sharron and Nelson met us for breakfast and it felt like we had truly arrived home. Sharron’s parents and mine had been fast friends and the same thing proceeded to happen with us. Sharron and I started meeting for lunch about every other week. The first thing we would talk about was how her kids were doing and then the grandkids…she had me laughing on the floor with hysterical stories about what the kids would say, what she was making and buying for them…and then there were the wonderful details about her travels with Nelson. She beamed with pride and joy. When we parted, all that sharing left me floating happily three feet off the ground until the next time. After we moved up to Shaw Island, her phone calls were just as wonderful. The inspiration of her smile, her love, her life will be with me forever… buni, Brian and Sam
We loved the time we spent with Sharron and Nelson on Orcas Island shortly before her death. To share such a beautiful setting; calm and peace among natures beauty, was perfect for our lasting memories of such a gentle soul. It was perhaps our own celebration of her wonderful life, sharing laughter and sweet memories we will always cherish. My happiness is knowing there is an Angel up above looking down on us all.
I got a big red nose and black bowler hat and went to the pediatric clinic at Providence to cheer up the very sick kids.
Thank you Sharron! Your love for life inspired me.
Dr. Ken Weizer
Sharron with two R’s
From the spelling of her name alone, it’s clear that Sharron was a unique and special person. Growing up on Massachusetts Street with Bryan, Lori, and Todd, I have memories of Sharron that come from a child’s perspective:
• Sharron taking care of Whiskey and Butch, the family pets
• Sharron driving us to the movies in a newly purchased, sherbet orange-and-white VW van
• Sharron’s lace bobbins and delicate embroidery
• Sharron’s beautiful handwriting and how she closed her letters with an X and an O
• Sharron greeting us at The Farm
But mostly I remember that wherever Sharron was, then that’s where the fun would be. It’s no wonder that the Farris Five were the cornerstone of our block. Their house was where everything seemed to be happening. When the Farrises moved on to Westminster, Holland, and Portland, Sharron was so good at keeping in touch and not severing the connections. She toured Europe with my mom. Sharron, Nelson, and Todd danced at my brother’s wedding.
And even when she became ill, Sharron handled it with such dignity, courage, and humor. She continued to be the person you wanted to hear from and be around. We never know how people that we meet are going to touch our lives. Sharron touched mine–along with so many others–and I will be forever grateful.
Thinking of you in this difficult time--Elisa Milkes
Nelson and family - When looking up an obit for a family member, I came upon the news of Sharron's passing. While it's been a (very!) long time since I've seen you all, I too remember what a wonderful person Sharron was: the bubbly personality and ability to make everyone feel so cared about and precious for who they are as fellow human beings. May the memories of her spirit of joy, happiness and love bring you comfort and peace forever.
Fran (Marrs) Woolsey
Dear Nelson and all the Farris Family,
Sharron left us several months ago and tomorrow is her Celebration of Life in Long Beach. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and miss her. She was always a lot of fun when the fraternity brothers and their wives got together each year. Later, she and I went through breast cancer treatments about the same time. She was always positive and upbeat. She sent me gifts of scarves, ointments, and recipes, but most of all she gave me encouragement and hope. She was a wonder role model. I will always remember her big, beautiful smile. She was a beautiful person.
People who’ve lost someone special like Sharron know that the real grieving begins not when family and friends are gathered, but later, when everyone has gone back to their own lives. So, please know that you are not alone, that those who care for you truly wish to stay in touch and let you know we all grieve with you.
Vic and I send our love.
Joy Coudayre, Murrieta, CA
Years after this site has been last touched, I discover this blog and all of its endearing comments. As a grandson of Sharron who holds most memories of her through photos instead of moments kept in my heart, it was wonderful and connecting to find these heartfelt memories. Thank you to you all, Todd (for this website setup), and the Farris Collective. And of course, thank you and I love you, Grandma Sharron.
With love,
Hayden
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