Sharlene Veronica Harkness, born August 18, 1930, in Jourdanton, Texas, to Frank and Phyllis Ulcak Kremenek, passed away in San Luis Obispo on December 15, 2018. Shar moved to Morgan Hill with her family in 1949, where she met her future husband, Walt Harkness. They lived in Morgan Hill until 1959, when they moved to Davis, but continued to spend time in Morgan Hill for many years. Shar moved to Avila Beach from Davis in 1999 to be near her son, Michael, after Walt died.
Shar taught elementary school for over 30 years, first in Morgan Hill, then in Davis, and then as a volunteer reading aide in Avila Beach. She was an avid reader, loved learning, and art, and music, and games, and passed those loves along to her children and grandchildren. After they retired in 1984, she and Walt traveled the world, and she continued that on her own, visiting almost every continent.
Shar was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, and son, Bill. She is survived by her daughter, Jody (Carl) Woodbury of El Dorado; her son, Michael (Pat) Harkness of San Luis Obispo; grandchildren Caitlin Ridge, Benjamin Cassady, Mason Harkness , and Molly Woodbury ; great-grandchildren Skyler and Grayson; and brothers Larry and John Kremenek.
A memorial service with immediate family will be held in San Luis Obispo.
Remembrances in Shar’s name may be made to the children’s educational fund at www.unicefusa.org.
