Sharon Lee Laughlin

Soon after Sharon’s birth, the family relocated to the Southern Oregon coast, residing mostly in the Coos Bay/North Bend area. Helen and Wade were proprietors in the food service and hospitality industry, owning Hilltop House, a popular restaurant in that area. Sharon and her siblings all worked in their parents’ establishment and it was soon obvious that she had inherited their natural love and gift for preparing and serving delicious meals. While helping out at Hilltop House, Sharon made many lifelong friends. She graduated from North Bend High School, where she was a member of the Latin Club and attended Southern Oregon College in Ashland, Oregon (now Southern Oregon University) studying English literature. Following her time at SOC, Sharon’s path led her up the beautiful Oregon coast, working in and managing various bars and restaurants along her way. While in Newport, Sharon met her future husband, James J. Laughlin and they were married there at Sacred Heart Church in 1978.

Jim and Sharon’s first child, Todd, was born with serious medical issues in April of 1979 and shortly after they relocated to Portland. They were active members of Holy Redeemer Parish which was a great support to the family during the time of Todd’s illness. He passed away at the age of three from complications due to Alagille syndrome, Sharon having been totally devoted to his care throughout his short life. Sharon and Jim went on to have two more children, Lindsay in 1983 and Jamie in 1985.

In 1989 Sharon and Jim opened The Fishwife, a seafood restaurant located in North Portland. After opening this business, they moved to Holy Cross Parish near the restaurant. This restaurant would be Sharon’s legacy and her final position in the food service industry. Open for 26 years and counting,The Fishwife was passed on to her daughter, Lindsay in 2013 when Sharon began transitioning to retirement.

Never one to rest for long, Sharon enjoyed trips to Hawaii and other gorgeous locations. She loved swimming, being with dogs, spending more time with family and friends and always helped at The Fishwife until weeks

before her passing. Her strength and upbeat, cheerful, and later accepting, attitude during the past year were an inspiration to many.

Sharon Lee Laughlin is survived by her daughters, Jamie Laughlin and Lindsay Porter; son-in-law, Nicholas Porter; aunt, Earlene Sheley; sisters-in-law, Mary Laughlin and Jean Miller and brothers-in-law, Bill Laughlin and Dick Laughlin. Also surviving are nieces Cindy McDougall, Betsy Frost, Mary Miller, Michelle Mullin, Rose Laughlin, Nora Laughlin, Marie Saylors and Sydney Price; nephews, Joe Miller, Luke Laughlin and Matt Laughlin as well as her friend of many years, Dave Lisle and seven "granddogs".

Sharon was predeceased by her parents Wade and Helen McDougall; sister, Nancy McDougall; brothers, Kenneth and Doug McDougall; husband, Jim and son, Todd. Her beloved pet Mitzi, the Dancing Pomeranian, died recently. May their souls and the souls of all who have passed away dance peacefully for all eternity.