Sharon Lee Nissen unexpectedly passed away in Martinez, California on January 8, 2023. Sharon was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was an inspiration to all with her kindness and loving heart, and had a gift of making everyone feel special and loved.
Sharon was the middle of three daughters to Ardis Gracier (Walcutt) and Russell Witter, born in New Jersey on August 18, 1944. Sharon grew up in Ohio until moving to Lafayette California in 1959, the same year that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Dick. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Marcia and is survived by her husband, Dick (husband of 57 years), daughters Kelly Viale (Dino) Jill Nissen, Nikki Lyman (Matthew), her sister Donna Little and grandchildren Kyle, Courtney, Dylan and Parker along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Sharon began losing her vision at the age of 22, legally blind for many years before becoming totally blind. She never let her disability stop her. Sharon’s determination led to employment as a Customer Relations Manager, volunteering as an instruction aide at Hidden Valley Elementary school, and her most outstanding accomplishment, raising three children while Dick worked long shifts with the California Highway Patrol. Her self-proclaimed title was “Family Financial and “go-getter” manager”. Sharon was an active member in her church, Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. She was an inspiration to everyone she met. She enjoyed traveling, crafts, decorating and always doing that something special for everyone she met. She delighted in celebrating holidays and special events, while putting her special to touch to every part of each event.
Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Dick, and during their 57 years of marriage, they lived in several cities in California before settling in Martinez where they lived together for 50 years in a beautiful home. Above all, Sharon loved her husband, children and grandchildren. She brought joy and light to everyone she met.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired at lighthouse-sf.org. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date.
Marilla J. Watts (Whitney)
Sharon Lee Nissen unexpectedly passed away in Martinez, California on January 8, 2023. Sharon was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was an inspiration to all with her kindness and loving heart, and had a gift of making everyone feel special and loved.
Sharon was the middle of three daughters to Ardis Gracier (Walcutt) and Russell Witter, born in New Jersey on August 18, 1944. Sharon grew up in Ohio until moving to Lafayette California in 1959, the same year that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Dick. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Marcia and is survived by her husband, Dick (husband of 57 years), daughters Kelly Viale (Dino) Jill Nissen, Nikki Lyman (Matthew), her sister Donna Little and grandchildren Kyle, Courtney, Dylan and Parker along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Sharon began losing her vision at the age of 22, legally blind for many years before becoming totally blind. She never let her disability stop her. Sharon’s determination led to employment as a Customer Relations Manager, volunteering as an instruction aide at Hidden Valley Elementary school, and her most outstanding accomplishment, raising three children while Dick worked long shifts with the California Highway Patrol. Her self-proclaimed title was “Family Financial and “go-getter” manager”. Sharon was an active member in her church, Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. She was an inspiration to everyone she met. She enjoyed traveling, crafts, decorating and always doing that something special for everyone she met. She delighted in celebrating holidays and special events, while putting her special to touch to every part of each event.
Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Dick, and during their 57 years of marriage, they lived in several cities in California before settling in Martinez where they lived together for 50 years in a beautiful home. Above all, Sharon loved her husband, children and grandchildren. She brought joy and light to everyone she met.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired at lighthouse-sf.org. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date.