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Sharon Magorien Almaraz, 72, of Mooresville, peacefully passed away with her husband by her side at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, NC, on November 9, 2015. She was born on June 19, 1943, in Long Beach, California, only child of the late David and Ruby (Hall) Magorien. Sharon graduated from Mayfair High School in Long Beach, and attended Long Beach State University. Sharon and her husband, Julian, married on November 8, 1975, an enduring union for 40 years that saw the couple’s combined five boys grow into happy, successful adults. Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Julian A. Almaraz, and five sons: Julian T. Almaraz of Kent, WA; Vincent Almaraz (Cherie) of Huntersville, NC; David Pulice (Alicia) of San Ramon, CA; Joseph Pulice of Martinez, CA; and Robert Almaraz (Dorothy) of Nashville, TN. Also, six grandchildren (Veronica, Julian T. Jr., Alexa, Ava, Claire and Carley) and three great-grandchildren (Sophia, Arya, and Julian T. III) will miss Sharon's comforting presence, as will cousins, in-laws and so many friends, both near and far. Sharon loved to travel and saw much of the world far and wide. In addition to visiting all 50 US States, she and Julian journeyed to Spain, Ireland, Israel, China, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Africa, Greece, and the Caribbean. The Almaraz family lived in Kernersville, NC, for 13 years, but due to his job, the family moved to Longview, TX; Lafayette, IN; Williamsburg, VA; Toronto, Canada; Fairfield, CA; and even two years in Brazil before finally retiring to Mooresville in 2004. Sharon enjoyed the years she spent working as a postal worker, but got even more fulfillment through a wide variety of volunteer work from Meals on Wheels to soup kitchens to Election Day voter station work. Sharon was especially fond of service as a hospice volunteer, and has always been a proud and active member of her local parish, most recently at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville. Sharon was a past President and Vice-President of the Mooresville/Lake Norman Newcomers Club. She and Julian took full advantage of the many social events and opportunities to make friends through the Newcomers and the Central Lake Norman Golden Boys Club. Sharon was a member of three bridge groups, three canasta groups, and a book group. Whether she was the neighbor down the street, a volunteer worker for a day or two, a member of the local parish or an avid bridge club member and player, Sharon made innumerable lifelong, cherished friendships along the way, and enjoyed maintaining those friendships over the years, especially through her long Christmas card list! A memorial mass for Sharon will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville on Thursday, November 12 at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the mass, the family will receive friends at St. Therese’s Parish Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC, 28625.

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Sharon Almaraz

June 19, 1943 - November 9, 2015