Obituary of Sharon Louise Mercado

Sharon Louise Mercado passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024 in Littleton, Colorado. Born on Valentine's Day, 1950 in her beloved Colorado which she called home for 74 years, she grew up in Englewood and Denver with parents Myrtle Elwell (of Denver) and Eldon Baughn (of Winona, Kansas) and was the eldest of five: Wanita, Russ, Lynn and Gary. She was a second generation South High School graduate, class of 1968. 

Sharon married her husband of 38 years, John Mercado in 1976 at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, one of her favorite places. They had one child, Theresa Elizabeth. The Mercado's would run their family business, Custom Furniture Finishing, in North Denver for 37 years restoring antiques, pianos and all types of furniture. Sharon's work ethic, passion and dedication to her trade was unsurpassed. 

Sharon loved her family, nature, plants and traveling, especially to anywhere with a casino so she could shake hands with the "one-armed bandits." She was a kind, gentle, selfless woman who always put the needs of others above herself. She found joy in the company of animals and loved countless dogs, cats and pet fish throughout her life. Her favorite animal was a frog but she knew they'd enjoy a better life in nature than in captivity. Every day until she was no longer able, she filled her birdfeeder to encourage a multitude of creatures to find sanctuary in her gorgeous yard. Her stunning yard was a thing of beauty: she loved cultivating plants of all kinds including but not limited to roses, iris, lilac, fruit trees and instilled her knowledge and appreciation of gardening on to her daughter. 

Sharon was preceeded in death by her maternal grandmother who lived to 106 years old, her parents, husband John, and her sister Lynn.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to find a Cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Or a donation to your local animal rescue organization or shelter. Sharon rescued one of her favorite dogs, Trigger, from Dalmation Rescue of Colorado.