It is with great sadness that I report the untimely passing of my friend and colleague, Sharon, on September 26, 2020, from cancer. Many of you remember her as the Costume Chair before she moved to San Simeon. She also wrote a column in this newsletter from time to time.
I know she took pride in helping the Historical Society with the costume collection, and I was so grateful that she was there for you all when I had to return to England in 2013. Before COVID-19, she enjoyed her jaunts to Los Angeles, and walking and knitting with Julie Lugo Cerra.
In San Simeon, Sharon created a beautiful home by the sea and a stunning studio in downtown Cambria, where she worked on all manner of creative projects. She was a revered textile conservator and mentor, and her clients were numerous, including the Getty Museum, the Broad Museum, Hearst Castle, the Fowler Museum, and the soon to open Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
I was honored to spend her last week with her in San Simeon, and Sharon’s last words to me were “No regrets.” Since most of her family is in Missouri, they will be holding their own celebration next year when they can gather. Sharon wished to be cremated. I am hoping to honor her on her birthday, March 1, 2021, if we are able to gather then.
Louise Coffey-Webb
Lifetime Member
Former President and former Costume Chair