Sharon Avora Vanella

Sharon Avora Dowbiggin was born on April 1, 1946 in Vancouver, British Columbia, (Canada) and welcomed into the family of her sister Barbaran and parent’s Barbara and Harry Dowbiggin. The family of four moved to the United States when Sharon was just a young girl. Sharon went to various schools in the San Bernardino area and for many years lived in their home on Genevieve Street. These years pass quickly.

Sharon grew up, had a daughter Dena and moved to the Colorado Springs area in the state of Colorado. Sharon got a job in a military store, called a PX, located on the Ft. Carson Army base. That’s when things got interesting. Frank was stationed at Ft. Carson and was assigned as a Military Policeman. Frank went into the PX to buy a writing pen and saw Sharon. It was truly love at first sight, frank couldn’t concentrate about anything but seeing her again. He began going into the PX every few days telling her he needed more pens for his job. She understood fairly quickly that he wasn’t interested in the pens but decided she would have to make the first step, since he was obviously too shy. Sharon finally asked Frank if he would like to join her for a cup of coffee. They were never apart from that day and married approximately four months after that first meeting. Frank asked Sharon’s daughter Dena if he could marry her mother and fortunately, Dena consented, Sharon Avora became Sharon A. Vanella. A marriage that lasted over 49 years.

Within four or five months of being married, Dena was diagnosed with a fatal form of Leukemia. This was obviously a tremendous strain on this young relationship. Dena started her treatments and was treated at a military hospital, until Frank was discharged from the army in 1968 and they all moved back to Sacramento. Frank had been accepted to the California Highway Patrol academy and graduated, Dena was so proud. Things were getting more serious for Dena as the Leukemia was taking its toll. Dena told us not to worry because she would live long enough to see her “baby sister” born, before she would die. We explained to Dena that although we would love another child Sharon had been told she could not have any more children……..Dena didn’t care she would see her baby sister before she died.

On June 27th, 1969 Dena’s baby sister, Kristie was born!!!! What a blessing to our family and quite a shock to the doctors who had told Sharon she could not have additional children. Dena simply said, I told you I would see her born. Within three months Dena died and our lives would never be quite the same.

We embraced Kristie and she gave us both all of the joy any parent could hope for. Kristie was her mother’s daughter and soon the two were inseparable. Sharon and Kristie discovered the world of horses and together learned all they could about them and how to care for them. As a young girl Kristie joined a “pony” club and became engrossed in her horse world. They would spend at least 3 days per week travelling from Crestline to Redlands to a horse ranch and stay late into the night. Kristie developed a real interest in showing (competing) in English style of riding, both Stadium and Cross Country courses were calling her name. Kristie’s first competitive horse Brandy was a winner and Sharon, Kristie and Brandy began travelling all over Southern California to compete. I was allowed to go, as long as I offered no advice, and urged them on. Although Sharon loved to ride also, she always put her interest and participation aside and concentrated on being her daughter’s main Cheerleader.

Pg. 2 of Sharon Vanella’s life story

Kristie would bless us with three grandchildren starting with Edward Smith, Michael Lopez and Dan’s son from a former marriage, Zachary Lopez. We claim Zach as our own, whenever possible. Sharon was always baking with Edward and Michael and cooking with Zachary. Every once and a while I would forget her response and ask … what are you making? Being such a wise woman, She would always respond…….”Memories with the grandsons.”

During the marriage Frank had two career paths, Twelve years as a California Highway Patrolman and due to Sharon’s support and encouragement; Frank went to law school and was blessed by having a thirty four year career as a prosecutor for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office. All because Sharon knew Frank wanted to do both of those jobs and she make sure he could fulfill those dreams. Sharon’s goals were to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, aunt as well as friend, she was all of these to us.

Sharon suffered a stroke on December 18th and was admitted to St. Bernadine’s Critical Care Unit. She experienced additional medical issues during her thirteen day stay in St. Bernadine’s. She received the last rights from the Catholic priest and was finally able to let go of this world and be at Peace. She died on December 31st, with her husband Frank and her daughter Kristie at her side. Frank and Sharon had over forty-nine years of marriage together and were able to hold onto each other until the final seconds of Sharon’s life.

Finally, the family wishes to acknowledge the loving medical care Sharon received at St. Bernadine’s, Critical care unit. All the Doctors and nurses were amazing, but we would like to mention Awni, Greg and Sara, nurses who gave our Sharon love and compassion and make the unbearable….almost bearable.