I moved to CA from PA when I was 24 yrs. old.  I didn't really know my Aunt Sharon and her children that well because they always lived in CA.  Soon after my arrival, my Aunt Sharon called me up and invited me to Thanksgiving to welcome me into "the CA family."  I appreciated how Aunt Sharon made me feel welcomed and not so alone.  The invitations to family events and good food where always made, although life became busy and I couldn't always attend. Aunt Sharon and I shared a love for cats and she always would email me the cutest cat photos or stories.  I always emailed her back that she made me laugh or put a smile on my face.  Sharon would continue emailing cute stories or sending sweet notes long after I knew she wasn't feeling well.  I used to email her and tell her that she was my hero because she remained positive and was determined to enjoy life until the very end. Aunt Sharon was an incredible grandmother.  I don't know any grandmother that was so dedicated and proud of her grandchildren ( she did have a right to brag...her grandchildren are pretty amazing kids!!)  I work with alot of teens and Ryan and Kenny are respectful, courteous, intelligent and talented kids.  I know Linda and Tom deserve credit for great parenting but I'm sure Aunt Sharon did her share of helping to make sure her grandkids turned out as good as they did.  My most favorite memories is of Aunt Sharon in the past 7 years when the Hollenback siblings all gathered in Newport Beach for vacations.   Seven years ago was the first time I had ever seen all the siblings together.  Boy, did they ever have fun.  They played card games for hours, laughed and played jokes on each other.  It was such a sweet memory.  

I know Aunt Sharon is now with my dad, Jim, her other brothers, Gary and Stevie, and her Dad, Harold.  I know they are enjoying being reunited and probably wishing they could tell us all not to be sad. 

I'm grateful for the time I had to get to know Aunt Sharon better.  She was a beautiful woman who loved and lived with all her heart. 

Robbie Hollenback Thomas

Tom, Ryan, David and Michael played 18 holes on Memorial Day 2011 at Casta del Sol in Mission Viejo dedicated to Mimi's honor.  They plan to play every year and will eventually bring in David's son, Michael, and Michael's son, Vinny.  New family traditions have begun! 

Missing Mimi

Now that your gone,
The memories remain of what used to be,
Your beautiful smile,
The sound of your laugh,
Your heart of gold,
You wore on your sleeve,
Those big blue eyes,
Filled with love,
But most of all,
the love you gave,
You always had faith,
You never gave up,
You always found a way,
I'll never forget the times we shared,
But most of all just talking with you,
You always had a way to make me see,
But most of all you made me believe,
You helped me see why,
you had to leave,
Your spirit was strong,
your body was weak,
He saw you struggle,
He felt your pain,
He held out his hand,
You grasped it tight,
No more pain,
No more struggles,
Just the comforts of Heaven,
With each day that passes,
I will miss you even more.