URGENT UPDATE: Sharon Simpson, a cherished figure in her community, has passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92 on October 31, 2025. Born on April 24, 1933, in Fresno, CA, Sharon’s life was marked by love, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family.
After moving to Santa Cruz, CA, in 1953, she began her career as a switchboard operator at Pacific Telephone Co. and soon met her husband, Jim Simpson, at the Edgewater Bar in Capitola. Their love story includes a dramatic moment in 1955, when floodwaters separated them, but they joyfully reunited and married that same year.
Sharon was not only a devoted wife and mother of four children—Mark, KC, Christina, Tony, and Stephanie—but also a teacher’s aide in the Home Economics department at Harbor High during the 1970s. Later, she became the owner of The Clothes Cottage, a consignment shop that brought her immense joy and connections within her community.
Her lasting love for Jim endured even after his passing in 2011 due to Alzheimer’s disease. One of Sharon’s poignant final wishes was to tell Jim where she was, reflecting the deep bond they shared throughout their lives. She is survived by her children, 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, ensuring her legacy continues through her family.
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Jennifer Gonzalez for her compassionate care during Sharon’s final year, as well as the dedicated team at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, which allowed her to remain at home.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for December 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Sesnon House at Cabrillo College in Aptos. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Santa Cruz County, supporting causes that were close to Sharon’s heart.
This news serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one life can have on many. Sharon Simpson’s story is one of love, family, and community, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations.
