Sharon M Carivau

Sharon Marie Carivau passed away peacefully at her home in Mission Lakes in Desert Hot Springs on March 23, 2019 at the age of 76. Born in Breckenridge, MN on November 24, 1942 to Marvin and Marie Thimjon, of Wahpeton, ND, Sharon loved spending summers on her grandparents’ farm where extended family would often gather and the cousins would all play.

A graduate of Wahpeton High Class of 1960, Sharon excelled at basketball and was voted “best female athlete.” She accepted a bookkeeper position at Park Grant Wholesale Grocery Distributor in Wahpeton where she met the love of her life, Larry Carivau. They married on her 20th birthday, November 24, 1962 and several days later packed up their belongings and moved to Southern California where they raised three children: Jeff, Suzy, and Gary.

Family was first and foremost to Sharon and she was exceptionally proud of her husband and three children and their families. She spoke of each of them with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. She loved her siblings and treasured their special visits to her home in the desert as well as family reunions in Minnesota. She was a kind sister-in-law and warm-hearted aunt to her large extended families. She was a mother figure to her children’s friends and never hesitated to extend an offer to stay for dinner. She ensured a nightly family dinner routine despite hectic schedules.

Sharon never missed an opportunity to attend any of her children’s or grandchildren’s sporting or other events. She was their biggest fan. Early on, the family was very involved in Little League where Sharon served on the auxiliary board and coached softball. The family practically lived at the baseball field and met so many wonderful families who became lifelong friends.

Camping with her family and close friends at Gorman and Portal to ride motorcycles or at the Colorado River and Buena Vista for boating was a favorite pastime. Later she and Larry enjoyed Harley rides with their HOGS chapter and camping at Silent Valley in their fifth wheel. The cooler weather and shaded trees at Silent Valley were a welcome reprieve during the hot summer months. She spent many hours playing Minnesota Canasta, scrapbooking, and doing crafts with ladies she had become good friends with over the years. She loved photography and always had a camera in hand.

Beginning as assistant bookkeeper at Park Grant and retiring as Fiscal Services Supervisor at Santa Monica Unified School District, Sharon worked in accounting her entire career. She loved numbers and continued to share her skills volunteering as a member of the Finance Council at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, where she was also a member of The Altar Society. She rarely missed the monthly lunch meetings and took pleasure in being so involved in the church. In addition, she was secretary of the COPS program in Mission Lakes, a member of Elks, and a blanketeer for Project Linus. A selfless woman, Sharon gave back to her community in a variety of ways and would go out of her way to help anyone in need.

Sharon was a member of the Lady’s Club at Mission Lakes Country Club and played golf with a group of ladies on Fridays. She felt fortunate to live in a community where the neighbors were tight-knit and she cherished all the friendships she made over the years. Angel figurines and special sayings adorn her home in Desert Hot Springs where she thoroughly enjoyed retirement. She loved her life and felt blessed every day. She remained positive throughout her health struggles and was a ray of light wherever she went.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 56 years, Larry, and their three children: Jeff (Annette) Carivau, of Valencia, CA; Suzy (Christopher) Ennis, of Boise, ID; and Gary (Corinne) Carivau, of Newhall, CA. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Emily (Franco) Malatesta, Allison (Matt) Sagraves, Ethan Ennis, Colby Ennis, Owen Ennis, Tristan Carivau, Aaron Carivau, and one great grandson Mason Malatesta. She is also survived by her six siblings: Ron (Carlene) Thimjon, of Breckenridge, MN; Janet (John) Nermoe, of Battle Lake, MN; Joie (Jeff) Dietz, of Battle Lake, MN; Bob (Joan) Thimjon, of Sioux Falls, SD; Julie (Tim) Costello, of Richfield, MN; and Steve (Kayla) Thimjon, of Plymouth, MN.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, April 13 at 11am at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 66700 Pierson Blvd. and a reception will follow at Miracle Springs Resort, 10625 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs. In lieu of flowers, please consider purchasing Sharon’s favorite flowers, calla lilies, for your own home, spend time doing something special with your family, or donate to your favorite charity.