Sharma Jean Fernandez

She is survived by her mother, Joyce Cermeño Cabanzo and brother, David Fernandez. She is preceded in death by her father, Gabriel Fernandez. Born on January 29th, 1959 in Tampa, FL., Sharma filled her family members’ lives with love from the moment she came into the world. She was very proud of her Asturian heritage and revered anything Spanish. Outside of Tampa, she felt completely at home in Madrid, and she fondly remembered the times she visited and lived in that magnificent city.

Sharma lit up every room she entered. She was known for her sense of beauty, brilliant conversation, eccentric personality, love of entertaining, and incomparable talent for interior design, specifically when it came to color. Her creativity has left an indelible mark on this world with her having done design work at Yankee Stadium, Legends Field, Lauro Ristorante, and many private homes in the Tampa Bay area as well as in Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia. When it came to her wardrobe, her ensembles always imbued an “Auntie Mame” quality which was admired by everyone. Anytime her family and friends came to her house, they were treated to incredible culinary delights which she claimed were just “whipped up” in a flash. And of course, they were served in tremendous splendor. In regards to travel, she was well versed and knowledgeable of every fine restaurant and luxury hotel from London to Bora Bora.

Mediocrity was not in Sharma’s vocabulary, and she constantly found ways to make anything better, regardless of what it was. She refused to accept things as they were and always added her own spin which would enhance any situation.

Sharma was an active member of The University Club of Tampa, Centro Asturiano de Tampa and Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

She is also survived by many cousins in the United States, Spain and Sicily, as well as her countless friends who she considered family.

Our lives are better because we knew and loved her. She inspired us all to dream, explore, live life and to “glide in our stride”. We will always love you, GRANDE! GRANDE!

Services will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, located at 605 S MacDill Ave on August 4th at 11:00 AM. All friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Sharma to St Jude Children’s Hospital or to your favorite charity.