Obituary of Sharon Pinkham Hillman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sharon Pinkham Hillman - beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother - on May 2, 2025 at her home in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by family. Sharon was born October 25, 1946, to William and Eleanor (Medina) Pinkham in Santa Cruz, California. She grew up alongside her younger sister, Susan. Sharon was passionate about life and excelled at everything she did. At age 11 to help support the family, she began working at the original Santa Cruz Boardwalk French Fry Stand next to the Fun House for Fr. Mike Marini's family and was a loyal employee for 6 years. A graduate of Santa Cruz High School, class of 1964, she was also a proud member of Theta Rho. In 1965, Sharon married Melvin D. Hillman of Watsonville, California. Together they made a home in various California towns including Tahoe City, Auburn, Watsonville, and Santa Cruz -- before settling in Tucson, Arizona in 1986. Over the years she worked for Whiting Frozen Foods, the Santa Cruz Growers Association and Coast Counties Glass before focusing on raising her 2 children. Later in life she worked at Tucson Unified School District and Pima Community College, where her dedication and strong work ethic continued to shine. Known for her creative spirit, Sharon excelled in crafts such as sewing, needle point, knitting, crocheting, and ceramics painting. In later years, Mel & Sharon lived in Copper Crest Adult Community, where Sharon was active in numerous clubs & committees, even writing the monthly community newsletter for a period of time. She was a member of the Busy Bee’s Quilting Club that donated 10,400 quilts to hospitals in the area for children. Mel & Sharon enjoyed bowling with the Copper Crest League, hosting card games and bringing the family together for backyard barbecues. Her home-cooked meals--though not her favorite task--were treasured by her family, who are grateful she took the time to write down her beloved recipes. Sharon was a loving mother to Michael(Tina) and Ashley(David), a caring and generous Grandmother to Kevin(Grace), Cassandra Hillman, Natalie and Atticus Byrd, and a devoted fan of her Great-granddaughter, Ellerie Hillman. She is also survived by her sister, Susan (Norbert) Neumann, sister-in-law, June Pinkham, 7 nieces & nephews, and numerous cousins. Her husband of 55 years, Melvin, preceded her in death in 2020. Also preceding her were her parents, brothers William(Helen) & Robert Pinkham, and Sister Dorothy (Sally) Pinkham-Dodge. A private internment will take place at Santa Cruz Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Sharon's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Cards and special memories may be sent to her family at 922 Western Dr.,Santa Cruz,CA 95060. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, creativity, and deep love for her family.