We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of the Market’s leaders, Sharon Shaw, member of the Pike Place Market craft community for 35 years, board member of the Market Foundation and beloved “Mother of the Market”.
Sharon showed up every day with a fierce love and loyalty for her Market community. She was a passionate protector, leading “pass-the-hat” efforts to raise funds for anyone in the craft and farm community who faced crisis, personal loss, financial troubles or health battles.
In 2013, the Market Foundation combined efforts with Sharon’s “pass-the-hat” initiative to expand the Market Community Safety Net. This fund not only bolstered support for everyone who lives, works and accesses services in the Market, but also emboldened Sharon to raise funds and awareness to support the full breadth of services in the Market. She actively raised funds for the Safety Net up until the day she passed away.
Sharon used her voice, her Market family relationships, and the respect she earned to advocate for the authenticity of the Market and the viability of it for the hundreds of families who rely on it for their livelihoods.
She was a mother to all of us. We deeply mourn her loss and know the Market community is hurting too. Our hearts go out to her husband, two sons and everyone who called Sharon a friend, family, and confidant.
We are committed to living out her legacy with a love, understanding and passion for the Market community she so thoroughly shared with and inspired in all of us. Sharon’s request is to continue to support “her baby”, the Market Community Safety Net. Please join us in supporting this fund with love in memory of Sharon.
