Sharon McMillian, of Bainbridge Island, Washington, age 75, passed away after a long struggle with cancer, on June 14, 2017, at the University of Washington Hospital.

Sharon was born in Aberdeen Washington on June 27, 1941, the only child of Ivan and Ruby Fleming. She graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1959 and attended North Texas State University on a music scholarship.

While she was home visiting her family she met the love of her live, a local boy, Larry McMillian who was attending the University of Washington. They had a short courtship and were married on May 5, 1961. They just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

Sharon has been supporting local community groups her entire life. In the 1970’s she volunteered with the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and while living on Bainbridge these past 24 years she’s been a volunteer at the Bargain Boutique, whose proceeds support Children’s Hospital. In the early 1980’s she worked with the Seattle Opera Guild staging the Twelfth Night performance, where she made many of the costumes. She was a member of the Bainbridge Island Women’s Club. Sharon made quilts for the Wounded Worrier project.

Sharon is survived by her husband Larry, daughter Michelle, son Gavin and six grandchildren and many friends who will miss her greatly.

In lieu of flowers please send your remembrances to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance research program at the University of Washington or to Helpline House on Bainbridge Island where you can make a donation or volunteer your time.www.helplinehouse.org.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Sharon’s life at 2:00 pm at the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church on Bainbridge Island, August 26, 2017.