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1942
2013
Sharon Kessey, 70, died Saturday, April 27, 2013, of cancer in Red Bluff, Calif. She was born Sept. 8, 1942, and raised in Marin County, Calif., then moved to San Francisco, where she earned degrees in psychology, biology and teaching.
She worked for a couple of years as a letter carrier, then traveled through Canada, the eastern U.S. and Mexico, before hitchhiking to Alaska, where she fell in love with its mountainous beauty and wildness, and settled in Fairbanks.
She worked as a field biologist, scuba diver, machine shop parts cleaner, pipeline surveyor and warehouse partsman, real estate salesperson, substitute teacher, builder of her own small house, traveler, then office worker at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Mining Extension and Geophysical Institute. She earned her Master's of Fine Arts in writing and wrote her book about the history of the street names of Fairbanks.
After retiring, she began spending winters in Red Bluff, near her elderly mother, and from 2006-12, stayed year-round as full-time caregiver.
She was a member of both Fairbanks and Red Bluff's Garden Clubs and was an accredited flower show judge.
Sharon was predeceased by her mother, Marion Mae (Keele, Kessey) Dunlap; father, Ira Sylvanus Kessey II; and brother, Peter Jay Kessey.
She is survived by her husband, Roger B. McPherson; son, Nathan Cody Kessey; sisters, Jeanne Reuter and Kris Kessey; brothers, Barry Kessey, Michael Dunlap and Ira Kessey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She had a good time and was sorry to leave.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I remember you. I was at your wedding. It was so much fun when you and Roger ran into the river. I remember your house, and how I lost my balance and fell into one of the swampy pits outside it while walking on a fallen tree when my mother and you were talking, and how she had to rush me home to shower. And I remember Thanksgiving before you got sick, and the way your hair was, and when I was maybe three and for some reason became fascinated with "Ninja Bear" when my brother and Nathan were playing and I was trying to be quiet and out of the way, and you let me play with him, and later gave me him because Nathan said I could have him, and then he became my beloved teddy bear Beary. And I remember what I think may have been the last time I´ve seen Nathan, much older, singing and playing guitar on stage, though I heard him on the radio sometimes as "Nathan Steel" for some time after that. And what may have been the last time I saw Roger-in Fred Meyer, not long after you died. His throat bobbed slightly, hearing the catch in his voice, knowing he was trying to keep the grief at bay, not knowing what to say at all.
I remember you.
I hope you are out there somewhere still, somehow, and very happy. And I hope your loved ones are well. I know they miss you so, and I do too.
Sarah Seifert
Friend
January 14, 2023
Sharon was a beautiful soul and a positive presence in our world. She was my cousin and I loved her very much. I rejoice that she is now in the healing Light of Spirit and all is well with her!!
Carol Pickup
Family
April 25, 2020
Sharon was an old soul and was a loving thoughtful person. I met her when I worked as a nurse in San Francisco in 1961. She was a cousin and we really connected with each other through her wonderful mother Marion. Marion Keele was the daughter of my father's eldest sister Lillian. They are both in the healing Light of Spirit!!
Carol Pickup
Family
April 26, 2019
Roger and Nathan, I am so sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. She was a great lady and full of fun. Hugs and prayers to you both!
Evelyn Parsons
May 8, 2013
Our beautiful Sharon is the Light and all is well with her!! Sending lots of love and hugs to you all. Carol Pickup
Carol Pickup
May 6, 2013
I love Sharon! When she told me that she agreed to send a message "from the Other Side" and said that it would be "butterflies," I have watched for signals, and have seen several! We cried together on the phone. I have wonderful memories of her.... one is of last summer, when we were at the Vagabond house and we were discussing where to put what furniture. :)
Sharon was SUCH an inspiration in many ways. What a "fix-it" person!! I'd call a plumber when the faucet didn't work.... she'd pull out the directions and written advice on how to repair the system and DO IT ALL HERSELF! Wow!
I MISS YOU SURE-ONE!!
Marilyn Russell
May 6, 2013
It was a great life. I wouldn't trade the childhood she gave me in Fairbanks for anything. She was the best mom I could have asked for, and I'm glad I got to tell her so, and spend time with her at the end.
She wrote this obituary before she died. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
I'll miss you mom.
Nathan Kessey
May 6, 2013
Roger and Nathan,
Please accept our sympathy. Sharon was a kind, gracious lady and she'll be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Judy and Tom Ferri
May 4, 2013
My sympathies to Sharon's family. Although I hadn't seen her in years, I remember her with fondness. Allison Fields
May 4, 2013
Roger and Nathan - We're so sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. Please know we're thinking of you.
Mark McDonald and Mary Larson
May 2, 2013
We feel honored and blessed to have Sharon as our closest neighbor and friend. You were a very special lady and will be missed. Roger and Nathan, special thoughts and prayers to you both.
Dot and Ed Keith
May 1, 2013
I knew Sharon nearly 40 years ago. She was instrumental in my moving to Fairbanks. Although we have not seen each other in many years, I will always remember her as a unique and fascinating woman, and someone who was an archetypical Alaskan. I grieve for her passing.
David Grauman
May 1, 2013
Roger, Nathan--Condolences. Ron I.
May 1, 2013
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