Sharon F. Richardson

"I have passed the mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the firmament of complete and unbounded freedom; I am in comfort, I am in peace". - Kahlil GibranSharon F. Richardson, 83, passed away on December 28, 2018, in Phoenix, AZ. She was born in Seattle, WA on March 28, 1935.A 1953 graduate of Cleveland High School, Sharon also was an oboist in the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, instilling in her a life-long love of classical music. Sharon graduated from the University of Washington Dental School in 1957, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. During college, Sharon was a member and President of Chi Omega sorority.Sharon's natural compassion led to her most rewarding career in the mental health field. After earning an Associate Degree in Mental Health Technology, Sharon pursued a Master's Degree in Psychological Counseling from Pacific Lutheran University. For 14 years, Sharon was a highly respected Mental Health Counselor at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma, WA. After retiring to Sun City West in 1997, Sharon enjoyed golfing and the company of many lifelong and newfound friends. Sharon also continued to enjoy traveling and reading. Sharon was an active community member. For over 40 years, Sharon was a member of P.E.O. - an organization seeking to advance educational opportunities for women. Following in her mother's footsteps, Sharon first joined a Seattle P.E.O. chapter founded by her beloved Grandma O'Connor. In Sun City West, Sharon was active in Chapter EK. Sharon also volunteered helping fellow breast cancer survivors like her. More recently, Sharon packed countless lunches for needy children at the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance.Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, David and Carrie O'Connor, and by Ron Richardson and Rich Stuns. She is survived by her daughter, Carrie Lynn Richardson (Paul Giancola); her son, Dan Richardson (Vicki); and her grandsons, Justin Banks and Ryan Richardson.A celebration of Sharon's life will be held in late March 2019. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: P.E.O. at peointernational.org or P.E.O. International Headquarters, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312, crediting Chapter EK/AZ; or to the National Association for Mental Illness/Arizona at namiarizona.org or NAMI/AZ, 5025 E. Washington St., Suite 112, Phoenix, AZ 85034.