Former district employee bequeaths money to Pirate program
COSTA MESA -- A longtime friend of the Orange Coast College women's volleyball team -- and former Coast Community College District employee -- sadly passed away earlier this year, but not before leaving a substantial monetary donation to the Pirate program.
Former CCCD employee and avid surf photographer, Sharon Marshall, passed away on April 27, but as a final "Thank You" to the Pirate volleyball team and her longtime friend, head coach Chuck Cutenese, Marshall bequeathed approximately $63,000 to the program, according to OCC's Foundation Director, Doug Bennett.
In an obit provided on the website www.shapermadeco.com, Marshall's obituary was capped off with the following passage ... "Sharon was a beautiful, gentle soul that embraced the people she knew and did her best to keep everything simple, but more than anything, she continued to be the best of friends to all us that knew and loved her. There was only one Sharon Marshall. She will be missed."
Cutenese developed a friendship with Sharon and her husband, Mike Marshall and it was a bond that remained strong for decades. "I met Sharon and her husband, Mike, 20 years ago in a nighttime weight class taught by Leon Skie and quickly became friends with both of them," Cutenese said. "For about five years, we would meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights after work and work out in Leon's class. I was unable to attend Leon's class and lost touch with Sharon and Mike for a few years, but then, they reappeared in the fitness complex and we reconnected. Soon we were meeting for dinners and I was invited to their home.
"Mike and my mother passed away around the same time and we found ourselves talking more and being there for each other during difficult times. Soon, Sharon started attend my weightlifting classes and we would walk Balboa Island and meet for lunch, or, she'd bring cookies to class for everyone to share.
"When Sharon came home from the hospital after her stroke, I received a call that she wanted to see me. I drove to her home immediately and was told that her speech was affected by the stroke but that she was able to understand everything I was saying. I sat with her for a few hours and talked with her, holding her hand and telling her how much I loved her. I felt sad to know I would be losing such a beautiful person in my life but blessed that I was given this opportunity to sit and tell her how much she meant to me. Her gift came as a surprise and I feel very fortunate that she thought of me and my team."
