Sharon Kathryn Carmichael (Sherry), age 84, passed away peacefully and naturally at home, surrounded by her family, on April 12, 2023. As usual, she was smiling. She was born in Adair, lowa, May 10, 1938, to Phillip and Dolores Parkinson. She was raised in Anita, Iowa, with her 6 brothers and sisters on a farm that had no electricity or indoor plumbing. Furthermore, she went to a one-room school house. She had a wonderful childhood and was fond of talking about her family and escapades from her youth.
Sherry left Iowa when she was 18 with a one-way ticket on a Greyhound bus to California. She wanted adventure. There she met her husband, Harold Carmichael, a Navy man, at a beach party around a bonfire in Santa Barbara. He instantly fell madly in love and pursued her until she agreed to marry him. Their marriage lasted for 65 years.
Our parents were depression-era children, who saved every penny and worked long hours. They moved to Santa Paula in 1969, eventually buying property and started farming avocados, all while Dad worked full time at Industrial Asphalt. They lived the American dream.
Our mom was witty, colorful, wise, fiery and passionate, yet gentle. She loved children and let kids be kids, allowing us all the freedom to grow into our own. She always had something creative going on; watercolor painting, tea parties, tennis, Crazy 8's, gardening, baking, or just good conversation. She and my Dad loved nature, and we grew up outside, taking our vacations camping, fishing, and hiking.
She is survived by her loving husband, Harold Carmichael, daughter Ann and Richard Gallimore, sons Brian and Jan Carmichael, and Glen and Kimberly Carmichael. She adored her grandchildren; Rachel and Robbie Seals, Weston and Athena Carmichael, Candace and Chris Stephens, Layne and Manny Casillas, Austin and Allisen Carmichael, Chelsea Carmichael and Kelly Carmichael. Sherry has nine great-grandchildren; Audrey, Owen, Clyde, Liam, Jack, Henley, Hayden, Quin, and Noah. Sherry also leaves behind her sister Judy Vandenboom and brothers Dennis Parkinson, Jim Parkinson, and Craig Parkinson, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services were private. In lieu of flowers, please show a kindness, share a smile, and/or donate to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the private direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ventura, CA.