Sharon Pedersen
After a long illness, Sharon Pedersen died peacefully on January 15, according to her daughter Liz Kampschroeder. From CaringBridge, Sharon was first diagnosed with leukemia in May of 2014. After reviewing the side effects of the treatment options, she decided not to seek treatment and wasn’t expected to live more than a year. Despite ever-declining energy, she continued to be as active as possible in the things she loved, and stayed connected to family and friends.
Liz wrote, “…I know she wanted everyone that took the time to read her entries (CaringBridge) to know how much she cherished the friendships and support she received. She was loved by so many and so many of us loved her. And will be greatly missed.”
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sharon’s name to:
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 28
Frontenac Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
10445 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. open house
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. memorial service
All are welcome to attend and celebrate her rich and wonderful life.
From left to right: Amy Redfield, Liz Jones, and Sharon Pedersen
If you are moved to do something as a tribute, Sharon asked that you donate time or money to a cause that’s important to you.
Fran Glass remembers:
“Sharon was a Wild Ones member since 2002. She hosted Wild Ones yard tours in 2008 and 2012 and volunteered occasionally at our Chapter events.”
Native landscaping was a passion for Sharon. She planted a beloved yard of native plants, which she called, The Hundred Species Yard. Her garden was a huge source of pride and comfort for her. It received certification from Bring Conservation Home.”
Sue Leahy remembers:
“My first introduction to Sharon was while I was taking Dave Tylka’s Native Landscaping class at Meramec and the class visited her home. The 2nd encounter was a Wild Ones yard tour at her home which was my first meeting since joining Wild Ones. She was very warm, welcoming and inspiring on both occasions.”
The 2012 Wild Ones – St. Louis Chapter yard tour description: “I’ll discuss my experience as Master Gardener volunteer at Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, where I participate in native habitat restoration and first learned about native gardening. I will also give a summary of the Creekside Garden, established 2007, including both mistakes and successes. Two binders of garden photos, from initial house construction in 2007, to fall and winter garden, 2011, will be available to give context.”
A special thank you to Brian Hall for passing along the service details and other information.
During her Master Gardener training year, Sharon was the first of several classes of MGs who elected to serve her volunteer commitment with the EarthWays Home, the mid-town St. Louis site (2001-10) of the Missouri Botanical Garden. I was the EarthWays Center staffer overseeing the Garden – and thus, working with MG volunteers.
I am not a good people-manager, or delegator, and I learned a lot from working with Sharon. Her experience enriched my knowledge of the native plants we both loved and tended in that landscape, and my ability to listen to, value, and partner with the skills and life-paths of others. She was experiencing challenges in her personal life at that time, and I believe her work in the EarthWays Home urban garden was a source of healing and encouragement to her. Growing benefits, all around.
Bless you, Sharon – thank you for the gifts of your life, shared with many other individuals, of many species! Jean Ponzi
Thank you Jean! Your words are very kind.
Sharon was a people person. I have been to her home twice. Each time she was sure to point out a few plants I had given her. She did not forget and was appreciative.
I need to point out the photo above with Liz Jones. We also lost her in this past year.