Helen Julia Sharer

Helen Julia Sharer, 82 passed from this life on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. She was born in Orange NJ, to Edward and Helen McNamara on June 17, 1936.
She received her Bachelor's degree from Mount Saint Joseph College in 1958. After graduation, she traveled around the world with her sister Patricia. It was during this adventure she met the love of her life and future husband Ralph Sharer in Laos in Southeast Asia. She was married in Washington DC on August 30, 1958. After their wedding, they moved to New Mexico, Ralph's home state.
Helen became a news reporter and worked for Farmington Daily Times, Albuquerque Journal and KENN radio. Along with her husband, they owned several local businesses including a bicycle shop, a bookstore and the Credit Bureau of Farmington. Helen worked as the assistant manager of the Farmington Aquatic Center for 10 years before retiring from paying jobs.
She was a tireless supporter of the community, serving as a Red Cross volunteer, a member of the St. Mary's Altar Society and a Special Olympics Coach/Organizer. She also was an avid quilter, making many beautiful quilts, which she most often donated, to worthwhile causes.
A strong, motivating and loving mother, Helen was adored by her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Even though she was well known and respected in the community in her own right, she was probably best known as "Kathleen's mom." She dedicated her life to ensuring her daughter, Kathleen, an award winning Special Olympian, reached her full potential, continually growing and surpassing the expectations of us all.
Her most lasting legacy is the work she did to reform the public education system to guarantee the best education possible for special needs children. Because of her unrelenting work, countless special needs children have learned to read and write and have become productive members of the community. Her drive was instrumental in life long improvements for the special needs children of New Mexico. Her strength and focus will truly be missed by the entire community.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 year Ralph Sharer. She is survived by her sons Bill, Barry and Donald; daughter Kathleen; sister Patricia Rosario; 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Rosary will be held Tuesday, July 17 at 6:00 PM at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday July 18 at St. Mary's Catholic Church 2100 E. 20th Street, Farmington, NM. with Father Chacon officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens. A reception will follow at St. Mary's Parrish Hall.
Helen's care has been entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington, NM. 505-325-8688. You may share you condolence's with the family at www.serenityandcompany.com