Obituary: Thompson, Shari Lyn
Age 50
She was diagnosed with breast cancer after it had spread throughout.
She had little chance of surviving but like the champion she was in life and comparable to a champion in the last round of a title fight they could not win, she refused to give up, refused go down, and was throwing haymakers until the end.
Shari in life and in the end was indeed the “Peoples Champ.”
Shari was born on December 13, 1964 in Spokane, WA to William and Patricia Tatt.
She graduated from Ferris High School in 1983, continued on to Eastern Washington University where she received her BA in 1987, and her master’s degree in 1991.
Shari started her elementary teaching career at Woodridge, then onto Ridgeview where she spent a majority of her career, and finishing at Jefferson.
At each school she was noted for her passion for her students to succeed.
She was tireless in helping her students whether it was to purchase supplies and snacks with her own funds or spend extra time after school.
She was truly a role model with her compassion, grace, and class.
A letter to Shari played a huge role in eventually getting her together with her husband Michael.
In 1993, he mailed a note inviting her to dinner but the address and phone number he found in the phone book were outdated.
Fortunately for Mike, the postman knew Shari’s mother so he delivered the letter to her mom.
Shari was naturally reluctant to go out on a date with someone she hardly knew but her mom encouraged her noting that a dinner at Patsy Clark’s couldn’t be all that bad.
It was the start of a 22 year relationship filled with love, loyalty, respect, and a most of all, fun.
Out of the classroom and into the role of a full time stay at home mom, Shari gave birth to Michael Jr. (“Mick”) on September 28, 1996 and Maxwell on October 27, 1998.
Her life became dedicated to her boys and was she involved in virtually all of their activities at home, school, and in sports.
Shari and Mike both recognized the excellent education the boys received at Hearts and Rainbow Pre-School, Moran Prairie Elementary School, Chase Middle School, and Ferris High School.
Shari would never miss on purpose either one of her boys’ sporting activities whether football, basketball, or soccer.
She was a proud and longtime supporter of Ferris High School and its athletics, Gonzaga University basketball, University of Washington football, EWU football, and of course she had no choice regarding The Rolling Stones in which she often was warmly acknowledged at shows by Mick and Keith.
Shari was a devoted wife, mother, and friend.
She was an outstanding cook who also was not afraid to clean.
She had a keen sense of fashion and style which was all her own.
She was a positive person with self-depreciating humor and a radiant smile which would light up the room.
Shari will be unbelievably missed by Mike, Mick, and Max but they count their blessings for the precious time they had with her.
Shari will always be the ultimate rock star to the three MGT’s!
Shari is survived by her husband Michael, and sons Mick and Max.
Also surviving are her father Bill (Anne), brother Jeff (Audrey), stepbrother Grant (Andrea), aunt Eva (Earl), uncle Ken (Lori), aunt Pam (Gordon), father-in-law Bob (Jeanne deceased), sister-in-law Melinda, brothers-in-law Bob, Tom (Lisca), Dan (Emily), and wonderful cousins, nephews and nieces.
Shari was predeceased by her mother Patti and is survived by Patti’s husband Jerry and his sister Aunt Bea.
The outpouring of love and support by so many people has been truly overwhelming and awesome!
The Thompson family thanks you so very much!
A Celebration of Shari’s Life will be held at Manito Golf and Country Club on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 5pm.