Sharron L. Newman

Sharron (Shar) Louise Newman, age 74, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2022 following a stroke. She was born March 21, 1948 in US Army Hospital Fort Monmouth New Jersey to Hugh Paul Dickinson and Marion Elizabeth Dalton Dickinson. She spent time in Germany as a child while the country was rebuilding after World War II, which had a profound effect on her world outlook.

She attended Ohio Northern University where she fell in love with her classmate, Lloyd “Lee” Newman, and they married in September of 1970. Shortly thereafter, they embarked on a journey west, eventually settling in Bellingham, WA, where they discovered Buddhism and started a family.

Sharron was a devout Buddhist, often took on leadership roles, and dedicated herself to helping other members of her faith. At mid-life, Sharron went back to school and earned a degree in early childhood education. She went on to work as a preschool teacher and later helped young adults with disabilities transition from school into jobs. After retiring, she dedicated herself to cultivating her artistic abilities. She loved repurposing found objects into items of beauty. In recent years, she felt called to protest political injustices in downtown Bellingham. She derived tremendous energy from meeting and engaging with people, especially those very different from herself.

Sharron is survived by her husband Lee, daughter Kristine, son Richard, and grandson Kaspian. She is also survived by her sisters, Marie and Diane, as well as her niece Kendra and nephew David.

Please join us in celebrating her life on Sunday, October 30th at 11am at Westford Funeral Home in Bellingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (biawa.org).