Pearl J. Espelund Sherrard, 98, of Sweet Home passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 8, 2016 after a long, happy and purposeful life.
She was born April 9, 1918 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. to Charles A. and Beulah (Worden) Paddock, both also of New York state.
She came from generations of family that came to this country back in the early 1600s. Before she turned two years old she came, with her parents and older brother, to settle in Oakridge. There, her father and uncle, with their families, helped to develop that community to what it is now. It was Pearl’s “hometown” and where she graduated high school. She continued through her first year of college in Eugene at the University of Oregon.
In 1937 she married Selmer J. Espelund in a small family wedding at her parents’ house in Eugene. Selmer (or Sal as he most often went by) was a military man and they had just shy of 50 years of marriage before his death. They traveled and lived in many parts of the world with their family.
In 1988 Pearl married Jack Sherrard – also widowed by his spouse of 50 years. He had a daughter, Sherron Sherrard Campbell. She and her husband, Charles, had children and grandchildren. They all accepted, loved and made Pearl part of their family. So her family grew and grew!
Pearl became a member of Fir Lawn Lutheran Church as soon as they settled in this area in the early 1970’s. Her faith and commitment to church, community, and people in need was always of great importance. She developed so many “close as family” friends and loved each dearly. In her latter able days, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief was paramount in her activities. And we all know she loved to travel, learn, write, garden, be in the woods, rockhound… the list could go on because she was so interested in life!
She was survived by children: Grant D. Espelund, Joyce A. Espelund; grandchilden: John P. Andrews, Dale W. Espelund, Baron V. Schmeltzer, Hayley Espelund (Rogers), Leif Espelund, and Brooke Espelund (Carroll). From there sprang great-grandchildren and eventually, great- great-grandchildren.
Pearl was preceded in death by husbands: Selmer J. Espelund and Jack Sherrard; siblings: Charles A. Paddock, Jr, Ronel Mason Paddock.
In memory of our loving mother, grandmother and beyond and to all that she did to extend love.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Fir Lawn Lutheran Church. We welcome all family, friends and loved ones. There will be coffee, brunch and sharing after in the community area. Final burial will be at Forestvale Cemetery in Oakridge on Tuesday.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.