Sharon Lee Gaffney (Engberg), 63, passed away April 24, 2007, after a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Sharon was born in Albany, Calif., on July 28, 1943, the daughter of Lester and Dorothy Engberg. They soon moved to Carrington, N.D. where they lived until 1957, when they decided to venture out west and settle in Marysville, Wash. Sharon attended Marysville High School, graduating in 1961.
Sharon married John Gaffney on Aug. 3, 1963. She spent most of her early adult life caring for their three young children. After they had grown Sharon found a passion for the computer industry and worked for the Everett School District from 1981-1993, at which time she fulfilled the dream of owning her own business, Montara Enterprises, and specialized as a data base developer for many Snohomish County school districts. She was famous for her computer savvy. Many called Sharon when they were in distress and she would patiently walk them through their technological worries.
Her grandmother, Ethel Sands; her father, Lester Engberg; her mother, Dorothy Engberg; and her twin sister, Shirley Engberg, preceded Sharon in death.
Sharon is survived by her husband, John Gaffney; her sons, Mike (Kelly) Gaffney and Jay (Tricia) Gaffney; her daughter, Susan (EJ) Cranwell; and her grandchildren, Paige, Tyler, Zachary, Jim and Cayden. She is also survived by brothers, Bob (Jeanine) Engberg, Rodney (Maude) Engberg and Ken (Diane) Engberg; sister, Betty (Chris) Hoge; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Ramstead; many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Sharon was a pioneer in the treatment of cancer, participating in a study for new medications through Cell Therapeutics, Inc. opting for non-conventional methods hoping to pave the way for those who may follow her same path. For the last 17 years Sharon lived with John at Tulare Beach, in Marysville. She spent her most treasured moments walking the beach with her grandchildren, watching for whales in the spring, and marveling at bald eagles that flew above the bay and nested in the hillside. Sharon loved summers and would often be found reading a good book and enjoying the sun on her deck. Her radiant smile and quick wit will be missed.
A special thank you to Pacific Gynecology Specialists, P.C. in Seattle and Western Washington Medical Group in Everett, Wash.
Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, Everett. A reception immediately followed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Compass Health or Providence Hospice and Home Care.