Sharon Louise Wilcher

Sharon Louise Wilcher

April 13, 1942 – October 18, 2026

Sharon Louise Wilcher lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to her family, strength, and love. For 35 years, she ran the Alpine II Laundromat in Portland, Oregon. More than a place of business, it became a gathering place for her family, where everyday routines grew into cherished memories that will last for generations.

Sharon often brought her grandchildren to the laundromat, where they helped her clean and fold laundry. Through these simple moments, she taught them the value of hard work, responsibility, and family. What may have seemed like ordinary days became meaningful memories that her family will carry in their hearts forever.

On October 18, 2026, Sharon passed away peacefully at her home in Salem, Oregon, at the age of 84. She was born on April 13, 1942, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Henry and Juanita Gilmore. Throughout her life, she built a loving family and became a cherished matriarch, guiding light, and steady presence for all who loved her.

Family was at the center of Sharon’s world. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether gathered around the dinner table, celebrating holidays, or simply enjoying one another’s company, she found happiness in bringing her family together. Her strength, practical wisdom, and hardworking spirit helped shape the lives of those closest to her.

Throughout her working years, Sharon served as a housekeeper at Kaiser Hospital and Best Western before dedicating 35 years to running the Alpine II Laundromat. She approached her work with pride, consistency, and determination, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and setting an example of strength for generations to follow.

Beyond her work and family responsibilities, Sharon enjoyed many things. She loved watching her favorite television programs, including Unsolved Mysteries, The First 48, CSI, and old Westerns. Clint Eastwood was her favorite actor. She also loved good food, especially Chinese food, and her favorite restaurant was The Wishing Well in St. Johns. She enjoyed burgers, egg sandwiches, salty foods, and even eating a raw onion.

Sharon had a special love for the holidays and took pride in decorating for many different occasions throughout the year. Her decorations created a festive atmosphere and made celebrations feel special. She enjoyed family dinners, gatherings, holiday celebrations, and caroling music. She also loved to dance, sharing joy in ways both simple and unforgettable.

Sharon was widowed by her beloved husband, Glen Wilcher. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vynita Wilcher, in 2015; her son, Glan Alva Wilcher, in 2001; and her brother, Melvin Gilmore, who passed away in 1970. She is survived by her living sister, Alfreda Blair.

She leaves behind her loving children, Dale Wilcher, Dion Wilcher, and Brenda Wilcher; her nine living grandchildren, including Destiny Elliott, Roger Elliott, Brianna Wilcher, Jose Lopez, Leti Lopez, Nichole Wilcher, Feather Wilcher, Dion Jr. Wilcher, and Sean Wilcher; and 29 great-great-grandchildren. Her family remains a living testament to the love, dedication, and strength she poured into the generations she helped raise.

Those who knew Sharon knew that she could be feisty and a fighter when the situation called for it. Beneath that determination, however, was a woman who was often a peaceful presence and the heart of her family. She was someone others could count on, someone whose strength spoke through her actions, and someone whose love was felt in the everyday moments she shared with those around her.

Sharon’s life was measured not only by the years she lived or the work she accomplished, but also by the family she nurtured, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created. Her legacy lives on in the generations she helped raise, the traditions she established, and the love that will continue to hold her family together.

Though she may no longer be physically present, her spirit will remain in every family gathering, every holiday celebration, every shared meal, and every memory of the woman who worked hard, loved deeply, and stood strong for her family.

Sharon Louise Wilcher will forever be loved, deeply missed, and lovingly remembered. Her legacy will live on through the generations she leaves behind.