Long-time Nevada county resident, Sharon Ann (Collins) Fairclough, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026.

Sharon was born February 3, 1932, in Palo Alto, California. She attended Palo Alto school and graduated from Stanford University in 1953. She married her high school sweetheart, Don Fairclough, in 1952, whom she met in 7th grade dancing school. She and Don moved to Nevada county in 1957.

Sharon was the beloved mother of Scott (Diana) Fairclough of Nevada City, and Shauna Fairclough Fulcher of Bend, Oregon. She was the loving and involved grandmother of Jessica and Paul Fairclough of Wisconsin, Emma (David) Burr and Rebecca (Phillip) Spalding of Bend, Oregon. She and Don also shared four great grandchildren: Elizabeth and Sammy Burr, and Piper and Hayes Spalding. Don and Sharon Shared 74 happy years of marriage.

When her children were very young, Sharon discovered that there was no preschool in the area. Along with Vene Ingram and Ruth Heller, Sharon set about organizing one: Tall Pines Nursery School. This preschool is still in operation.

In the 1960’s, Sharon was very active in her community, serving as Chair of the First County General Plan Historic Committee. In 1974, Sharon received her library credential from Sacramento State and worked as a county children’s librarian for several years. Sharon’s ultimate career was a certified financial planner, having her own fee-only business for 14 years. She advised her clients in Nevada County and throughout Northern California. After retirement, she voluntarily did investment advising various non-profits’ endowment funds.

Outside of work, Sharon was an active volunteer with her local Friendship Club. She enjoyed driving members to appointments, tutoring, and serving on the board of directors for seven years. She also volunteered with Hospice of the Foothills. As a lover of the outdoors, Sharon enjoyed gardening, traveling, hiking, and canoeing. Sharon was a big animal lover and was often found relaxing with their beloved rescue dog, Teddy. Sharon loved to share her birthdays with grandchildren and family. She was a proud member of the Trinity Episcopal Church for over 60 years. She taught Sunday School, served as an Alter Guild, as well as the Endowment Fund. Sharon’s family would like to thank the compassionate staff of both Atria of Grass Valley and Hospice of the Foothills.

Sharon’s Celebration of Life services will be held on Mach 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 201 Nevada Street in Nevada City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to the Endowment Fund of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, the Friendship Club (now a part of Bright Futures of Youth), or Hospice of the Foothills. Sharon will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.