Sharon Wayne Naiman

January 25, 1939 – July 7, 2026

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Sherry Naiman who died peacefully on July 7, 2026, in Laguna Beach, California, at the age of 87.

Born on January 25, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, Sherry carried her Midwestern roots with pride throughout her life. She attended the University of Arizona before completing her degree in education at the University of Missouri. Her life changed forever when she met the love of her life, Gary, while visiting at San Diego State. They were married on August 12, 1962, beginning a remarkable partnership built on devotion, adventure, generosity, and unwavering love.

For 52 wonderful years of marriage, Sherry and Gary built a life centered on family, faith, community, and service. Together, they traveled the world, embraced philanthropy, and created a home filled with laughter, friendship, a strong commitment to Jewish values, and unforgettable celebrations.

Sherry was a devoted mother to her children, Eric (Mindy), Rhonda, Susan (Daniel), and Marshall (Danelle). She was also a proud and loving Bubbie (grandmother) to Louis, Sarah, Jacob, Dan, Shai, Emily, Laura, Rebekah, and Joseph, who were the greatest joys of her life. Nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her grandchildren, sharing stories, creating memories, and cheering them on in all of life's adventures. One of her most treasured celebrations was gathering her family in New Orleans to celebrate her 80th birthday.

She is also survived by her beloved sister, Nina, and brothers-in-law, Eddie (Joanne) and Leonard (Corinne), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and members of the community whose lives she touched.

Sherry and Gary were deeply committed to the Jewish community of San Diego and to causes supporting Israel. They supported numerous charitable organizations and helped lead many educational and cultural trips to Israel for both Jewish and non-Jewish groups. Sherry also played an active role in supporting "The Precious Legacy," the renowned Smithsonian traveling exhibition that brought attention to priceless Jewish artifacts recovered from Czechoslovakia following World War II. Alongside Gary, she was a dedicated member of Congregation Beth Tefillah, where she devoted countless hours to synagogue life and performing acts of Tikun Olam (healing the world). Never one to allow tradition to define her limits; Sherry chose to become a Bat Mitzvah in her mid-40s. Family and friends fondly remember seeing her practice diligently with her Walkman, approaching the milestone with the same enthusiasm and determination as any thirteen-year-old.

Sherry also had a lifelong love of baseball, especially the San Diego Padres. Attending the Padres' 1984 World Series remains one of her favorite memories, made even more memorable by the famous blue clown wig she proudly wore as a good-luck charm. In 1985, after winning a friendly wager with Gary, she earned a trip back to Kansas City to watch her hometown Royals in the World Series, a victory she enjoyed almost as much as winning the bet itself.

Alongside her many community commitments, Sherry enjoyed a distinguished career as a teacher in San Diego and Las Vegas. Education was one of her great passions, and she took enormous pride in helping generations of students learn and grow. An avid reader and lifelong learner herself, Sherry approached teaching with boundless curiosity, patience, and enthusiasm. She found deep fulfillment in the classroom, where her warmth and encouragement left a lasting impact on countless students, many who she kept in touch with after she retired.

If there was one thing Sherry loved nearly as much as family, it was hosting a celebration. Whether at the family home in Lake Helix or the beach house in Carlsbad, there was always a reason to gather. July 4th parties became legendary after she and Gary purchased an antique jukebox in 1976 to mark the nation's bicentennial. Anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, baby naming's, graduations, and sometimes even life's unexpected moments became opportunities for Sherry to bring family and friends together. She believed that life's blessings were meant to be celebrated and shared.

Above all else, Sherry's greatest love was Gary. Their story began in San Diego and blossomed into a lifetime of partnership, laughter, adventure, and devotion. Together they built not just a family, but a legacy of kindness, generosity, faith, and love that will continue to inspire future generations.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, Sherry's spirit lives in the family she cherished, the community she served, and the countless lives she enriched through her warmth, generosity, and joyful embrace of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Magen David Adom AFMDA, The Israel Guide Dog Center, or Temple Beth El of South Orange County.

Zichronah livracha - May her memory forever be a blessing.

A Levaya will be held at El Camino Memorial Hall, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121, on July 13, 2026, at 10:00 am.  

A Kevura will follow at El Camino Memorial Park, Mt. Shalom, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121, on July 13, 2026, at 11:00 am.