Our beloved grandmother, mother, sister and friend, Sharon Darlene Martin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 5, 2026, surrounded by love and the memories of a life well lived.

Sharon was born on September 1, 1953, to Robert and Mary Lou Dake in Blue Lake. She deeply loved her hometown and treasured the many lifelong friendships she formed while growing up there. She graduated from McKinleyville High School and carried those early connections with her throughout her life.

Sharon was married to Ralph Martin, and together they welcomed her only son, Jamie, in 1969. In 1973, she welcomed her daughter, Heidi. Later, she shared her life with Joe Luiz, and in 1978 they welcomed her daughter, Nikki. Above all else, Sharon was a devoted mother whose love for her children never wavered.

For many years, Sharon worked as an office manager at Ag Sales in Arcata, where her quick wit, humor, and kindness quickly made customers friends. She had a deep love of books and could rarely be found without one close by, sometimes finishing two or more books in a single day. She loved new beginnings, babies, animals, and tending to her plants and flowers. Gardening brought her peace and reflected the same care and patience she showed people throughout her life.

In her younger years, Sharon loved to dance and play pool and was happiest where there was music and laughter. Later in life, she cherished traveling with her sisters and cousins, where many memories were made, and she enjoyed spending time at the casino. She loved being around people, especially her grandchildren. Watching a movie with Sharon always meant hearing her commentary — often including her predictions of the ending — and her unmistakable laugh. She had a way of filling a room and making everyone feel welcome.

Sharon never met a stranger. She made people feel seen, safe, and loved. She was the kindest soul and never judged anyone. When people were nervous, stressed, or unsure, she would simply smile and say, “They can’t eat you,” and somehow everything felt easier.

She faced many hardships in life, but they only deepened her compassion and strength. Her heart remained soft, generous, and open. She welcomed countless children and friends into her home and treated them as family. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren and loved them fiercely.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jamie; her partner, Terry Lawler; her parents, Robert Dake and Mary Lou and Domingo Santos; her brother-in-law, Allen Mann; and many cherished friends and family members.

Sharon is survived by her daughters, Heidi Varshock (Dave) and Nikki Naughton (Chris), and by Ariel Santos, whom she lovingly raised as her own. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who were the highlight of her life—Jaysea Jennings, Bryr Steinle (Alexis), Sydney Varshock, Cody Slater, Bryson Lawler, Kenia Robles Hernandez, Riley Lawler, Brooklyn Lawler, and Austin Lawler — and a great-grandbaby on the way. She is further survived by her sisters, Lorelei Woods (Mark), Karen Mann, and Kristina Plisik (Mike); her brothers, Rick Santos (Rebecca), Brett Santos (Suzette), and Randy Santos; her bonus sons, Tommy Lawler, Robbie Lawler, and Dustin Lawler; many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly; along with extended family, cousins, and many dear friends who became family.

A celebration of life will be held on March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Azalea Hall in McKinleyville. There will be food, music, laughter and love — just the way Sharon would have wanted it. All who knew and loved her are welcome.

Sharon will be remembered for her generous heart, her laughter, her love of books and plants, her resilience, and the way she welcomed everyone exactly as they were.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Shonna Conner for the love, patience and unwavering care she gave our mom. We are forever grateful.