Sharon Yvonne Simi

Sharon Yvone (Blackburn) Simi departed us on May 29, 2009 in Billings, Montana. She had a long fight with lung disease. Sharon was born September 10, 1939 to Sonny and Anna (Murphy) Blackburn. She lived most of her childhood in Lebanon and Brownsville, Oregon. She grew-up on a farm and was enjoyed 4-H, raising many animals, though mentioned one favorite pig named "Pinkie" who was adorned with pink ribbons and a curled tail! Sharon's High School years were at Lebanon Union High School where she was a cheerleader. Following graduation, she attended beauticians school, later working in her aunt's beauty shop. While in High School, she met Gerald R. "Jerry" Simi who had recently returned form the Korean War. They were so happy together that they eloped to Stevenson, Washington February 10, 1959. In May of 1961, Jerry took a position in North Bend, working for the Menasha Papermill where the couple made their home and raised two children. Sharon later went to work at Thrifty Payless Drug in North Bend and continued to work there until 1973, when illness made it unable to work any longer. Sharon loved to shop, cook, bake goodies and decorate (she missed her calling as she should have been an interior decorator!) She loved Christmas and would decorate every room in the home for the holiday festivities. Often she would would cook large meals that Jerry would take to work and share with collegues. When friends and family would come to visit, Sharon would prepare some type of seafood for her guests. She was known for her excellent Crab Louie salad from fresh crab that Jerry had caught on the bay. Family will remember her desserts and Lemon Meringe Pie that was to die for! Sharon collected Carousel Horses, the last count some 300 that Jerry had started for her. When Jerry and son Randy went out for "guy weekends", Sharon and Johnna would have the "girl weekends", having a great time dining out, shopping 'til you drop. Sharon and her children enjoyed all kinds of activities together. Her biggest passion was her flower beds and gardening. The flower beds and yard were always emaculate. Her favorite flowers were Dahlias. Sharon was a thoughtful person, often sending cards or small gifts to make ones day. Her grandchildren were a very important part of her life, often telling them her middle name was Yogi, as she did not like her middle name! She also loved ice cream, never forgetting the toppings that she would have every evening before bedtime. It was always fun and relaxing to go home for a visit as Sharon would spoil you the whole time you were there. She was a very special person to be around. After Jerry's death in 1992 of cancer, Sharon moved to Port Hadlock, Washington, where the couple had purchsed a property for their retirement. Jerry wanted her to follow their dreams that they had for retirement. She did.

Sharon is survived by her chidlren Johnna Rene(Robert) Brown of Crabtree, Oregon and Randy Gene (Roxane) Simi of Albany,Oregon; grandchildren, Nicole Caroline (John) Owen, Lena Rene (Christopher) Robbins, Lindsey R., Heath W. and Rachel M. Brown; great-grandchildren Callista Owen, Elizabeth Robbins and Izzabella Robbins. *Sharon was never able to meet her great-grandchildren, but she was aware that she had them. She did not know what happiness she had missed out on since the estrangement. Sharon was so loved, She is remembered each day by her family. They know she is in wonderful hands now. No death notice or obituary was placed at the time of her death; family more recently learning of her passing.

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