Sharon Williard Deary (Richer)

Sharon Williard Deary (Richer)
October 8, 1933 – April 22, 2023

Our beloved and dearest Mother, Sharon passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023 after a long battle with dementia.  Sharon was born on October 8, 1933 in San Jose, California to parents Jemima “Jimmy” Williard and Henry O. Willard.
Sharon was a 6th generation Californian. A  descendant from the Gallant Duncan Dickenson family who immigrated from St. Louis, MO, April, 1846 joining the Donner Party’s 80 persons treacherous six month journey arriving at Sutter’s Fort on October 16, 1846.  
In 1942, Sharon relocated with her brother, Larry Williard and parents to Sacramento, California from San Jose, CA.  She attended Sutterville Heights Elementary School, California Junior High School, and graduated from CK McClatchy High school  in 1951.  She attended  UC Berkeley from 1952-1954 and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.  Sharon transferred her senior year to Sacramento State College graduating with her teaching credential in July 1955.
In 1953, Sharon was introduced to R. Grant Deary, Jr., by her brother Larry.  Sharon and family were active parishioners at All Saints Episcopal Church where Sharon sang in the choir.  Grant and family also attended All Saints and Mom caught Dad’s eye early on which later led to Sharon’s brother Larry setting them up on a date eventually leading to their marriage in August 1955.  Sharon was a teacher at Peter Burnett Elementary School until 1957, taking leave from teaching to start a family.  In 1957, Diane was born followed by Shelley in 1959 and finally Grant in 1963, resulting in a full-time mother and homemaker.
Sharon was very involved in her children’s extracurricular/sports activities, passionately supporting them in swim meets, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, tennis clinics, horse shows, etc. Sharon was physically active throughout her entire life taking up tennis at Park Terrace Swim & Tennis Club, water skiing at the family cabin in Tahoe with the distinction of completing her ski run with dry hair! In the winters, it was weekend family ski trips to Alpine Meadows.
Sharon was active in the community beginning with the “20-30ettes”, Junior League, Easter Seals, Sacramento Zoo Docent, and Sacramento Children’s Home/Los Amigos.  She also was an avid bridge player and participated in many competitive bridge events through the years.
In 1985, she began her second career at Gold River Racquet Club, eventually serving as front-desk supervisor, retiring in 2015, after 29 successful years of service..  She was known as the fastidious “Mother of clean and order” during her tenure!
Sharon was a very devoted grandmother, as her grandchildren became active in sports, school, and extracurricular activities, she cherished attending every event possible from soccer games, swim meets, little league, football and horse shows.
Sharon was the most thoughtful, loving and caring person, and never expressed a negative word about anyone—no matter if she liked them or not!  She never forgot a birthday and loved to bake her chocolate chip cookies or famous Kahlua cakes to celebrate special occasions.
Sharon was physically active and in excellent health playing tennis until she was 81!  Unfortunately, she was stricken with on-set dementia and began a gradual decline resulting in her final years under the excellent care of Woods Care Home, Elk Grove.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Jemima Williard, Brother Larry, and former husband Roy Grant Deary, Jr.  and brother-in-law Donald R. Deary. She is survived by her children Diane Deary Omand (Jeff), Shelley Deary, Grant Deary, III (Brenda).  Grandchildren Jarrett Omand, Jayme Omand, Grant Deary IV, and Shane Deary.
She is also survived by Sister-in-Laws Beverly Deary and Sylvia Fones and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Niomi and Mohamad Massaquoi, of Woods Care Home for their love, support and care during her final years!

A service will be held on October 4th, at 1:00pm, East Lawn Cemetery, 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento. Private Interment.  A reception immediately following at Valley Hi Country Club, 9595 Franklin Blvd, Elk Grove, CA. 

Sharon will be forever missed as a loving person and a dear friend to many.  She will always be remembered as someone who would light up the room with her energy and positive spirit!
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Sacramento Children’s Home and Alzheimer’s Association, Sacramento.