Sharon Simpson

1933 - 2025

Sharon Simpson passed away peacefully at home on October 31 of natural causes. She was 92 years of age. She was born to Chester A, "Jack" Washer and Nina Story Washer. She had one brother, Story, who died tragically in a car accident at the age of 16.

Sharon moved with her infant son, Mark, to Santa Cruz, CA in 1953. There, she worked as a switchboard operator at the Pacific Telephone Co. from 1954 to 1956. Shortly after moving to Santa Cruz, Sharon met the love of her life, Jim Simpson, at the Edgewater Bar in Capitola. She said he was the best-looking man she'd ever seen. A story tells that the two of them were separated by the floodwaters of the San Lorenzo River in 1955, while he lived in Capitola and she lived with her parents near downtown. Dad told us he tried frantically (though ultimately unsuccessfully) to find a way across the river to be with Mom and Baby Mark. The story ended, though, with his famously mischievous grin and his quip, "But I think it might've mostly been your Grandmother's cooking I was frantic for."

They were fortunately reunited when the waters receded and were married that same year. Their first daughter, KC was born in 1956, followed by Christina, Tony and Stephanie. Sharon worked at Harbor High School as a teacher's aide in the Home Ec Department during the seventies. Later, she bought The Clothes Cottage, a consignment shop located in Capitola. She spent many happy years there, surrounded by good friends, fashion and jewelry.

After their retirement, she and Jim traveled broadly and were happily married until his death from Alzheimer's in 2011. She was nuts about him until the end. One of her last wishes was that we call Jim and tell him where she was. He needed to come pick her up.

Sharon was preceded in death by her brother Story Washer, her husband Jim Simpson, her daughter-in-law Brenda Simpson, her step-daughter Lisa Armstrong, and her beloved cousin Shirley Bennett.

She is survived by her children Mark Simpson (Ann), KC Espinoza (Pete), Christina Martin (Jim), Tony Simpson, Stephanie Willhoit (Alex), 14 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Jennifer Gonzalez for her love, kindness and compassionate care during the last year of Mom's life.

Hearty thanks also to the amazing people at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, who made it possible for Mom to remain at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Sesnon House at Cabrillo College in Aptos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Santa Cruz County.