Long time community member and advocate Sharon Feierabend passed away on July 18, 2020 from cancer. Originally from Iowa, she moved to Del Mar in 1959. She worked at CRM Films and later McGraw Hill, finally ending her career with the US Chamber of Commerce. She was deeply involved in community advocacy over the years, working on many Del Mar initiatives - Keep Greenery in the Scenery campaign to prevent development of Crest Canyon, preserving Seagrove park, protecting the San Dieguito wetlands. Most recently she advocated against SANDAG’s “insane” plan to build an underground train tunnel through Del Mar. She was a consistent presence at City Council meetings and with her husband Professor Ivo Feierabend hosted gatherings where issues were discussed and alliances formed.
Sharon Feierabend lived a good life and fought hard to make sure others could also. Her son Jay Broad said he was happy that, because of the pandemic, he could spend much time with his mother toward the end. She ultimately passed from cancer, and though she had cognitive decline, her sense of humor held strong until the end and she greatly enjoyed being with people. She died peacefully.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 40 years, her loyal children, Jay Broad and Kendal Broad-Wright (Danaya), grandchildren, Jeremy and Teya, niece, Electa Gay Perez (Juan), and all the Feierabend stepchildren and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Biden/Harris campaign. This would please Sharon who feared that Trump threatened American democracy. An in-person memorial will be announced post-pandemic.
