Obituary of Sharon Elizabeth Worgum

Sharon Elizabeth Worgum passed away in the early hours of March 1, 2021, at the age of 73, in her home in Olympia, Washington, after a long battle with cancer. 

Sharon was born June 17, 1947, in Lewiston, Idaho. She was the first of five children of Elbert and Betty Elefson. She grew up in Spokane and Seattle, Washington. Sharon was an athlete at Renton High School, graduating in 1965. She attended Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and Central Washington University, in Ellensburg, Washington, with special interests in home economics.

Sharon worked over 30 years directing school/child nutrition programs in western Washington. During this time, she served on local, regional, state, and national school nutrition associations. She enjoyed her career immensely and especially liked traveling the country for the many conventions she attended.  Sharon was beloved by many of the staff that she worked with and stayed in regular contact with them throughout her retirement. She retired from the North Thurston School District in June 2011.

Sharon was a devoted mother to her three children, Stephen, Tamra and Maurine. She was especially close to her five grandchildren, Bailey, Mackenzie, Avery, Cooper, and Willow. She loved them with all her heart. She was a wonderful grandma; her memory will be cherished by each of them.

Sharon was an excellent seamstress who enjoyed sewing all her life.  She spent many happy hours making beautiful quilts for each of her grandchildren.  Made with loving care using materials selected according to each grandchild’s interests, each one is a treasured gift.

Sharon was an avid antique collector.  Her sister, Debbie, joined her in this endeavor. Together they shopped and sold antiques for over 20 years, sharing many enjoyable hours with this hobby.

Sharon enjoyed traveling with her husband, Maury. They traveled extensively; however, some of her favorite trips were drives to their favorite beach for relaxing weekends.  Many spring vacations the whole family would rent a beach house. Sharon delighted in these trips with her children and grandchildren. She also traveled internationally with her sister, Kathy.

Sharon had an engaging personality and was a lively conversationalist. She loved to chat with family and friends, on any range of subjects. Sharon was a woman of strength, honesty, and loyalty with a big dose of humor. She is going to be missed terribly by those who knew and loved her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Betty Elefson; her sister, Christine Long; and brother, E. Keith Elefson. 

Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Maurice L. Worgum of Olympia; her son, Stephen Worgum of Ephrata, Washington; daughters, Tamara Campbell (Mike) of Olympia, and Maurine Evanger (Adam) of Seattle; her grandchildren, Bailey Worgum, Mackenzie, Avery and Cooper Campbell, and Willow Evanger; sister, Deborah Kienle of Vancouver, Washington, and Kathryn Hawkins of Fort Mill, South Carolina; along with many nieces and nephews.

Our wife, mother, grandma, and sister will be missed terribly. We, as a family, lost our shining star. When she passed, there was a clear sky with a bright moon. She was already in heaven.

There will be a graveside service in Ellensburg, Washington, at Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.bcrf.org

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