Sharon M. Shaw

Sharon M. Shaw was born one of four children to Harold and Ann Mader on January 27, 1945 in New Orleans, LA. She was the third in line by only 15 minutes over her twin sister. At a young age the entire family moved to Fresno, CA where Sharon would build her family and future. She met her (late) husband Oliver James Shaw (Jim) at Fresno City College and were shortly thereafter married. Together they had four loving children.

To accommodate the growing family, Sharon and Jim designed and hand built a new home in Rolling Hills, north of Fresno. The entire family worked together on the build of the home and to maintain it over the many years, which was a great lesson to their kids and created many close family memories. As her children became young adults, Sharon went back to Fresno City College to complete her AA degree. She also competitively participated as a cross-country runner and was a top performer for her college team. Knowing she wanted to help others, she transferred to Fresno State University to successfully earn her BA degree in Social Studies. She put this degree to good use as an employee at Fresno Unified Schools as well as other businesses focused on helping challenged youths. In her retirement years, Sharon could be found bringing constant cheer and encouragement to her friends, neighbors, and family which now included 8 grandchildren. In correlation with her kindness, Sharon always seemed to attract stray cats that she loved and cared for.

Sharon had a passion for nature and loved spending her time outdoors in her garden, local parks, and more so in the Sierra-Nevada Mountains and Central Coast. She was always happiest and closest to God while in the outdoors and with her family and friends nearby.

On July 7, Sharon passed away peacefully in Fresno, CA at the age of 80 with her immediate family sharing the final earthly days of her amazing journey and devoted love. Preceded in death by her sister Jackie Folsom, Sharon is survived by her brother Harold Mader, twin sister Kathleen Helm, brother-in-law Richard Shaw, her four children, Kim Tate (Steve), Tiffany Farmer (Jim), Marcus Shaw (Sabrina), Christine Harper (Darren), and her grandchildren, Danielle, Austin, Jake, Dallas, Aiden, Garrett, McKay, Gavin.

A family focused "at sea" burial and memorial service will be conducted at her favorite Central Coast in September. In memory of Sharon, donations may be made to Hinds Hospice or Miss Winkles Pet Adoption -Clovis, CA.