Sharon Elvira Gradin

July 19, 1939 – November 19, 2024 – Sharon Elvira Gradin was born in Portland, Oregon to Melvin and Amy Gradin on July 19, 1939, and passed away on November 19, 2024 in Gresham, Oregon.

Sharon was the middle child of seven: three older brothers (Wes, Rod and Dwight), and three younger brothers (Joe, Denny and Tim). Her parents often referred to her as “the rose among the thorns.” Growing up on a produce farm, which eventually became the Gradin Community Sports Park, she learned early the value of hard work, both outside and in the kitchen. As part of a musical family, she learned at a young age to play the clarinet and accordion.

Upon completion of her schooling at Gresham Elementary and Gresham Union High School in 1957, she attended Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, graduating in 1961. She then travelled to Bolivia, South America, as a missionary working with children. She went by her middle name, Elvira, causing the locals to feel she was “one of us,” and ministered to them for about fifteen years.

Because of health concerns, she returned to the States to pursue a degree at Seattle Pacific University. Upon completion of her degree, she became pastor of a Hispanic church in Redmond, WA, where she served for many years. Because of her proficiency in Spanish, she also worked for the Bellevue School District as a translator for parent-teacher conferences.

Sharon was an avid walker. While on a hike during a church retreat, she out-paced everyone else, missed a turn and got lost in the woods for over 24 hours. It was then, the fall of 2010, that the family realized that she was having the beginning of a cognitive decline. During this time of transition, she stayed with a very caring Hispanic family that lived nearby.

Eventually she moved back to Gresham, where she spent her remaining years under the loving care of Sylvia Seulean and her family, at “Eric’s Heavenly Care Center.” Although she was not able to communicate with us for several years, we could tell that she was at peace. But it was a special joy to me (her brother Rod) to be able to play hymns for her on my euphonium and to see the smiles come to her face.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Amy; her older brother Wesley; her younger brother Dennis; and her nephew Matthew Gradin.

Sharon passed into the arms of her Savior in the early hours of November 19, 2024. We as brothers are so thankful for our “rose among the thorns.” A family remembrance will be held next spring.