Sharon Pollard 1941-2008

In 2006, Sharon and her husband, Ray, and their silky terrier, Hooter, moved to the Seattle, WA area to try her luck in the local art scene there and be closer to her daughter, Tris, and grandson, Jeffrey. Jeffrey adored his "red headed grandma" (as she preferred to be distinguished) and she lavished praise and instruction on his budding art talent. In the summer of 2007, Sharon started to experience vague abdominal symptoms of bloating, constipation, and pain. Not wanting to entertain a more serious diagnosis, she accepted short-term treatment for diverticulitis and hoped for the best. She was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in February 2008.

Tragically, she learned two weeks before her diagnosis that she had been accepted into a newly built artists' colony called Hiawatha Lofts in downtown Seattle. Although she didn't get to move into the Lofts, she took comfort in knowing that her work had been recognized and had she lived longer, she would have gained similar recognition in Seattle as she had in Orlando. As her prognosis was poor, and she didn't want to risk the discomfort and uncertainty that chemotherapy offered, she elected to start hospice care. Her decline was quick, but she received excellent care in hospice. She left this world at the end of May, and is likely enjoying a good glass of wine at her favorite sidewalk cafe in Paris with old friends, her father and her son.

Hooter enjoyed a long and happy summer with his "Big Sis Tris" and nephew, Jeffrey, but decided he did not like the long, dreary Seattle winters without his beloved "Mama Girl". He is now living with a wonderful friend in Altamonte Springs, where he gets to visit his favorite old stomping ground, Lake Eola.