Sharon Jean Dillon Bender

Sharon Jean Dillon Bender passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 27, 2025, at the age of 87.

Sharon was born in Seattle, Washington on May 10, 1938, to Gerald and Nancy Dillon. Sharon is survived by her sister Barbara Dillon; her daughters Kimberly Bender Petit and Catherine Quigley; her son in law Michael Quigley and her grandchildren Connor, Allison and Sean Quigley and Eliana and Halleluya Petit.

Sharon grew up in Houghton, Kirkland. She graduated from Lake Washington High School where Sharon was crowned Homecoming Queen and later, the Strawberry Festival Queen of Kirkland. She enjoyed serving as a lifeguard at Houghton Beach during her high school summers. Sharon pursued higher education at the University of Washington, where she earned a bachelors in education with a minor in fine arts, and where she also embraced sisterhood with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Sharon was married to Robert E. Bender, former vice-chair of Nordstrom, from 1962 to 1993. Sharon became an elementary school teacher before embracing the roles of devoted mother and homemaker. She was immensely creative and always pursued her passion for art. Robert supported Sharon's artistic endeavors, celebrating her talent as a painter, artist, and sculptor.

Sharon was an accomplished artist. She had art studios in her home, in Seattle and Tribeca New York. Sharon's beautiful paintings and sculptures were exhibited at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, and at galleries in New York, Palm Desert and Anacortes. She had art installations at the Kirkland library and Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. Her beautiful artwork is cherished and displayed in the homes of her family and friends.

Over the years Sharon enjoyed serving her community as a member of the Junior League of Seattle and she enjoyed many years of membership at the Sunset Club in Seattle. Later in life she found deep fulfillment in being a member of a philanthropic organization, P.E.O. Sisterhood in Anacortes.

Sharons creativity extended to her gardens, which bloomed under her careful hand, and to the homes she made beautiful over the years on Yarrow Point, Indian Wells, Guemes Island and Madison Park. She had a passion for travel and loved to play bridge whenever she had the chance.

Sharon was a good friend to many and was lovingly known as "Nonna" by her family. She also had impeccable taste and a great sense of style.

Traveling the world, Sharon collected amazing experiences and memories, but it was time spent with her family that she cherished the most. Sharon's children and grandchildren were the joy of her life. She delighted in every moment with them, cheering at games, watching performances, and celebrating their milestones.

Sharon touched people with her friendliness, warmth, creativity, and radiant spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private funeral service and celebration of life will be held in her honor on Guemes Island and in Anacortes.

To share memories of Sharon, please visit her online memorial at www.evanschapel.com