Sharon Norma Nordstrom

Sharon Norma (Somple) Nordstrom, a longtime resident of Cupertino, California, passed away on May 28, 2024 in San Jose, CA. In her final days she was surrounded by family and loved ones, and was joyfully and peacefully anticipating her final journey.

Sharon was born on September 14, 1937 to Joseph and Mildred (née Magrel) Somple in Los Angeles, California. She was one of five Somple children. Her eldest brother, Norman, passed away before she was born, but he is remembered in Sharon’s middle name. This event prompted the family to move from Pennsylvania to California. Other siblings included older sister Arlene and younger siblings Ronald and Janice. The family lived at various residences in Southern California around Eagle Rock.

Sharon graduated from Eagle Rock High School in 1955. While completing high school she helped to support the family by working in secretarial jobs part time and attending classes part time. She was always active in her local church and enjoyed athletics. She was an excellent swimmer and performed water ballet while in high school.

After high school, Sharon met her future husband Lloyd William Nordstrom, a World War II veteran, while working at Lockheed in Los Angeles. Sharon and Lloyd were married in July 1957 and soon relocated to Santa Clara where Lloyd continued working for Lockheed. Sharon and Lloyd shared a love of dancing and enjoyed music at all the local hotspots over the years. They were lovely to watch on the dancefloor, dancing to Big Band sound.

Sharon and Lloyd were blessed with two children: son, Kris William and daughter, Eve. Sharon was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. In 1981 Lloyd passed away. Sharon never stopped loving him and never remarried. With a strong countenance, Sharon kept her family together, refreshed her working skills, and reentered the workforce as an Executive Assistant.

During these years, Sharon participated in a widows’ support group, church activities, and Bible studies where she developed many authentic and abiding friendships. She actively volunteered in service organizations including Sunday Friends, Julian Street Homeless Shelter, and Adopt-A-Chaplain. She was also the proud, original owner of a 1968 Ford Mustang which she enjoyed taking to car shows. These were fun years, filled with travel, children’s graduations and weddings, and many family gatherings.

Sharon was never idle. She immensely enjoyed creating beauty around her – in stylish fashion, home decorating, gardening, crafting, present-wrapping, and entertaining. She dreamed of being a florist. She had great joy when surrounded by friends and family, especially when grandchildren came along who she could dote on and shower with love and goodies. She loved her time with God, grandchildren, and the garden.

Sharon loved the Lord and reflected God's grace throughout her life. Always kind, generous and loving, Sharon exhibited the fruits of a relationship with God through her Savior Jesus Christ. During her last years, right up to her passing, Sharon was happy, at peace and singing praises to God, never in doubt as to where she would spend eternity.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Norman, Arlene and Janice. She is survived by her brother Ronald Somple, son Kris Nordstrom (Carolyn) and grandchildren Monica Plank (née Nordstrom, Charles) and Nicole Nordstrom; daughter Eve Bretzke (née Nordstrom, Melvin), grandchildren Zachary and Jacob Bretzke; and great grandson Calvin Kristofer Plank.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on June 20, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Creekside Bible Church in Cupertino, CA, officiated by her pastor Cliff McManis. Interment will be at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, CA, at 3 p.m. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Lloyd. Oak Hill Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.