Sharon Flynn

After a two year valiant and mighty battle with AML Leukemia, Sharon Flynn died on June 22, 2018. She was born January 28, 1942 and grew up with her parents Lucille and Floyd, as well as brother Terry in Chinook. Her parents ran a cattle ranch, now operated by the Malsam Family. Sharon was very active at Chinook high school, participating in music, (playing clarinet in the marching band and marching again at many class reunions, and organ for the Methodist Church), drama, and high academic achievements. She was the class of 1960's Salutatorian. Sharon was greatly influenced by her French teacher, Terry Tilleman, which began a lifelong love of the language. Sharon and Terry remained friends until her passing.

Sharon attended the University of Montana in Missoula with a double major in English and French. Once her studies were complete and Sharon tried a very short stint as a flight attendant, she realized her true passion to be teaching. (She later took advanced classes at California State University, Long Beach and University of Southern California). Sharon began her career teaching high school French at Edwards Air Force Base in California before moving three years later to Long Beach, California, eventually landing at Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1973, where she lovingly remained until her retirement in 2004. She also enjoyed teaching evening classes at both Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach in her later career. Sharon was recognized numerous times as an innovative teacher, role model and mentor.

Sharon is survived by her niece Wendy (Paul) Muller and their sons Kevin and Douglas of San Carlos, CA., cousin Dennis (Chrissy) Downs and children Janelle and Blake of Chinook, longest standing Montana friend, Charlene Blevins Lowen, of Haavre, with whom she exchanged weekly notes since high school, dear friend and housemate Lydia, and legions upon legions of friends.

Sharon lived simply, loved generously, cared for others deeply, always spoke kindly - and left the rest to the universe. All with a joy-filled spirit. Her sunbeams are her legacy.

Sharon started a fund last year to support continuing education for the 6th floor staff at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where she received tender and diligent care for more than 250 days and nights of in-patient treatment. Should anyone be so inclined, donations to the fund may be sent to: MemorialCare, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Care of Kurien Joseph, RN Manager 6th Floor, 2801 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806. Note: Please write "6th floor staff education fund" on the memo line of your check..

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