Sharon K Franzoni

11/4/1942- 9/1/2010

Let me share with you some of the things about the newest member in Heaven. Everyone who knew her of heard about her always her as Auntie. Sharon K. Franzoni is survived by her only sister Judith Hagood of Orick. Sharon lived her entire life here in Humboldt County. She was raised in Big Lagoon, then went on to spend her adult years in Trinidad. Sharon loved the ocean. She worked for Eureka Fisheries for 37 years, filleting, supervising, then payroll after her knee gave out. She loved her job and the people she worked with and worked for. Sharon had two great passions in her life, books and sports. She could read a paperback in one day, and a thousand page hard cover novel in three or four. Reading for her was as much her trademark as her love for Coca -Cola. Tea or Coffee? No thank, just give her a coke. She'd even drive to Oregon simply to drink her favorite beverage from glass bottles. Plastic just didn't taste the same she'd always say. She loved every televised sport you could think of. She'd watch everything from Golf to Pro Football, Bowling to Basketball, Tennis to Nascar. She had her favorite players, her favorite teams, and loved talking sports with her nephews Mike Hagood and Doug Paulo. Sharon was a fierce debater when it came to politics with her brother in law Jim Hagood. The truest form of unconditional love applied when it came to the heart of Sharon Franzoni. Her heart was larger than life and she showed it often. Sharon never had children of her own so she treated her nephew Mike and niece Betsey as though they were her very own. She'd be the loudest one in the stands during Mike's football games, cheering him on with her beloved cow bell clanging away. She'd take Betsey to the beach when she was little to see the seals, starfish and other marine life along Trinidad head and Indian beach. Auntie took them to see their first motion picture in the theatres, and when Betsey had children of her own, Sharon carried on the tradition of being the first to take Peeny and Paige to their first movies. In later part of her years, her great nephews and nieces became the pride and joy in her life. Brenden and Darren Hagood. Peeny and Paige Paulo made her laugh, love and feel youthful again. Sharon spent the last five years as baby sitter and all around pal during the weekdays with her great nieces Peeny and Paige. She'd take them on drives around the county at random and point out different trees, wild flowers and birds along back roads. She'd endure endless days of watching Sponge Bob Square Pants because she knew that was her smallest nieces favorite show. In turn, the two of them would spend time watching Guys Big Bite, one of Aunties newest favorite cooking shows. Yes, she sure loved to cook and an incredible cook she was. It could be rotisserie roast or classic cheesecake and nothing tasted less then absolutely amazing. She was a talent in the kitchen. Auntie had a love for animals that few could match. Talking about the antics of her pets always made her laugh and burst out with pride. She shared stories of her pets with friends at the local grocery or library. They all knew her as the lady who loved cats. Sharon was also famous for being the Pop Corn Ball Lady of Trinidad. Every Halloween, her famous popcorn ball treats were the hit of all trick or treaters. Even those who'd grown and had children of their own made it a must to stop by Sharon's for one of her delicious treats. Ms. Franzoni was darling and delightful, engaging and intelligent, loving and full of laughter. One of heavens angels has gone home. Arrangements under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA 707-822-2445, www.paulschapel.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on September 24, 2010