Sharon Spry was one of the finest people I've known.

She had a gift for understanding and relating and empathizing with others. She had a bright mind and a wonderful smile. She had a sense of humor that allowed her to laugh at the world and to laugh at herself and sometimes to laugh at her troubles.

She was someone I called when I was feeling down. She never failed to cheer me up.

She was someone I called to share good news. It always made me feel better.

She was always interested in what I was doing and always asking about my immediate family.

I was at her wedding where my 5-year-old son Timmy (now a grown man known as "Tim") served as a ring bearer.

Whenever I visited San Francisco, I made a point to visit her family. I stayed at their house many times.

She came to visit me on multiple occasions and we got together at places away from our homes.

A few years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer and was in and out of chemotherapy and other treatments. I’ve forgotten where the cancer started; but, by the end of this year, it had spread throughout her entire body.

I will always admire the courage with which she faced this disease. She was always open and honest about her chances and what she was going through. She didn’t ask for pity, but she didn’t hide anything or downplay the seriousness from the rest of us.

Sharon passed away last night at the age of 55. The cancer she battled the last few years finally overcame her.

She leaves behind a husband and two young children.

She was my cousin and my friend.

And I miss her.