November 25, 1942-
April 3, 2016
Sharon Lynn Thralls, indefatigable volunteer and giver, left us on Sunday, April 3rd. She passed peacefully in her home with her English sheepdog, Lollipop, by her side.
Sharon was born on November 25, 1942 in Utah. After attending University of Colorado and doing Graduate work at UCLA, Sharon ultimately landed in San Marino and proceeded to touch every life she could. A lover of children, she endeavored to improve the lives of children educationally, medically and recreationally in the San Gabriel Valley.
From 1978-1984, Sharon was a founding member of the board of directors at Kidspace Museum. Simultaneously, she served on the board of governors at Parsons School of Design and the board of directors for the Junior League of Pasadena. From 1983-1984 she was President of the JLP. Sharon was to be presented with the Nancy Reed Payne Achievement Award for her outstanding volunteer service to the community by the JLP on April 30, 2016.
Sharon also blessed Descanso Gardens, The Town Club, Christ Child Society of Pasadena, Mayfield Senior School, St Phillip the Apostle board of trustees, Alverno High School board of trustees, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Five Acres and the Pasadena Unified School District, with her time, energy and spirit. A sentiment that was not lost on those she partnered with to affect positive change in the community.
“Sharon was a caring and very experienced presence for well over a decade and in a time of significant but orderly change and improvement at Descanso,” said David Brown, Executive Director of Descanso Gardens. Sharon was elected to the Descanso Gardens board in 2000, served for a decade, and then was re-elected in 2011. “She had great respect for the greater-LA community the Gardens were to serve, and an equal regard for the importance of achieving institutional excellence, to which she contributed without reservation.”
Close friend and fellow board member at JLP and Christ Child Society Kathy LeRoy said “Sharon was a unique individual who always gave tirelessly of herself. Her community and its needs, especially in the education arena, were a top priority for this outstanding woman. She was a dedicated volunteer and a special and dear friend to all of us.”
Fellow board member at Descanso Gardens and Mayfield Senior School and long-time friend James Sarni said Sharon “was one of the most capable and caring individuals I’ve ever known.”
Sharon is survived by Maritza Alvarado, Ginger Webster, Melinda Foote and Valerie Foote.
Services will be held on April 18, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the organizations that Sharon so loved.
