Sharon Lou O'Connell

With her loving husband, three children, grandchildren, and sister by her side, Sharon left this world to be with her Heavenly Father.   Her struggle with ALS is over.  Sharon was born August 29, 1943 in Oakland, CA to Hilbert and Dorothy Dockter.  She is survived by her loving husband Jim, her children Karri (Jay), Kristy (Craig), Craig (Keyonyu), grandchildren, Bobby (Diane), Cody, Lyndsay, Savannah, Christian, Madison, Kendall, Caden and Malia, her great grandchildren, Reese, Kaia and Rhett, and their dog Gia. 

As a small child, Sharon and her sister Debbie moved with their family to a farm in Connell, Washington. She went on to graduate from Connell High School.  After graduating from high school, Sharon moved to the Tri-Cities where she attended Columbia Valley Community College andgraduated with a general studies degree. While at CBCC, she met her husband, whom she was married to for 55 years. Sharon caught Jim’s eye while walking down a hallway.  Jim pursued her and to this day says, “It was love at first sight.”  On February 8, 1964, Jim and Sharon were married and spent their honeymoon on Priest Lake.  This began her entire family’s lifelong love of Priest Lake.  Jim and Sharon started a life together in Spokane where they had three loving children.

Sharon soon became a fixture in the community, giving her time, love and energy.  Her philanthropic passions included, but were not limited to, the Junior League of Spokane, the Guild School, and Ronald McDonald House.  However, what most do not know is that Sharon did much more.  Sharon’s heart was touched by individual personal challenges.  Privately, Sharon supported many other people and causes.    

Sharon’s passion for travel took Jim and Sharon to over 40 countries worldwide.  Hawaii was an annual trip that Jim and Sharon never missed.   In Hawaii, Sharon  enjoyed her WINE, food, friends and family.  She especially enjoyed short walks on the beach and long walks in the shops on Kaanapali.  Even more meaningful, were summers spent at Priest Lake with her entire family. 

Sharon had incredible friends and was an incredible friend in return.  Her GNO (girls’ night out) group, book club and bible study were instrumental in her everyday life.   Sharon had numerous friendships that lasted over 45 years.  These friendships helped sustain her in the last few years of life.

From November through March (Madness), Gonzaga basketball dictated Sharon & Jim’s social schedule (Go Zags).  Although these activities directed their calendar, Sharon found time to read, needlepoint and paint.  Her painting in particular touched many peoples’ lives.

Sharon’s faith and family were the most important part of her life.  She left an ongoing legacy of forgiveness, compassion and love, and at the center of Sharon’s life was her faith in Jesus.  Sharon’s giving spirit will live on in all of us.

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