Our beloved Sharon took her place amongst the angels on September 27, 2020. She died peacefully in her sleep after a year-long battle with brain injury complications. On February 3, 1952, she was born to Elias and Helen Galvan in Silver City, New Mexico. She was the second of nine children, and we'd like to think this was when her motherly instincts began. As time went on, the family relocated to Southern California, planting the family roots in La Puente. She attended Basset High School, where she then graduated. During her time in high school in 1968, Sharon was only 16 years old and applied to Alexander's Supermarket and was hired on the spot as their very first "box girl." The local newspaper notably featured her in an article as she was the first in Southern California, which helped pave the way for others to become "box girls." In 1970 she married the one and only Frank, and suddenly a twinkle in her eye was always apparent. They then started a family growing from two to five with the birth of their three children Andrea, Christina, and Frank Jr. The family became very involved in the city of La Verne; together, they were very active in community programs for the city. She was incredibly proud to help youth in the city obtain jobs, attend college, and learn about their heritage through several events she hosted. She also helped organize the first Holy Name of Mary Festival, which is still a tradition today! After all this time being a working mother, she graduated from Mount San Antonio College, obtaining an Associate of Arts degree. Sharon gave her all into her work, enjoying several years at General Dynamics as a configuration analyst. As time went on and a few jobs later, she ended up at the Ontario Airport Marriott, where her time was valued. Still, her most impressionable experience with them was setting up her daughter with a man who would become her son-in-law. Sharon introduced her daughter Christina to her husband, Cliff. Matchmaking can be tiresome, and after all that time with the Marriott, she then retired. As a retiree, she then transitioned into her forever role as Grandma Sharon; she welcomed six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She has passed on her love of cooking and the art of New Mexican tradition, she may not have invented salsa, but after tasting hers, you know she put her heart and soul into it. Sharon had a vibrant personality, always decorated in purple, and as ever, made people around her laugh. As we all know, she made friends everywhere she went. I'm sure she knew your cousins', girlfriends,' aunts' landscaper because, as the extrovert she was, she knew the art of friendship. Sharon will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, caring heart, unconditional love, and of course, her salsa! Sharon was apart of a large family and is survived by her husband of 50 years, Frank Vidaure, three children Andrea Vidaure, Christina Keyner (Cliff), and Frank Vidaure Jr., six grandchildren Alisia Vidaure (Sergio), Alexa Vidaure, Samantha Keyner, Sydney Keyner, Sage Keyner, Shae Vidaure and one great-grandchild Adeline Aguiar. Her mother, Helen Galvan, her brothers and sisters, and numerous extended family members and friends. Although we may put a number on her blood-related grandchildren, she was known to be a grandmother to all she encountered, making sure to let everyone know not to call her Mrs. Vidaure or Sharon but that she was known as Grandma Sharon.
Our hearts are heavy, but as we move forward from this terrible loss, we will celebrate Sharon on October 22, 2020. Due to the State of California's COVID regulations and guidelines, the service has restricted large gatherings. Therefore we will live stream the service for you - details will follow. Thank you for your understanding; we wish you all could have attended.
Please share your stories, pictures, and messages. We will appreciate every memory you share with us.
