Echo Sorbello

Echo Marie Sharon Sorbello passed away peacefully in her Davis home Tuesday morning, May 22, 2007. She went to be with her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, and her favorite verse of scripture, the one she had asked her son to read to her often, was realized: "He will remove all of their sorrow, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever." (Revelation 21:4) Born Echo Alone Broome on April 14, 1928, to Carl William Broome and Winnifred Nelle (nee Blackketter), in Westville, OK, Sheri was the second of seven children. They moved often in the early years, living in Wisconsin, Texas, and homesteading an island in the Colorado River, before the family settled in Redlands, where her father built their home. A gifted gymnast, artist, dancer and horsewoman, Sheri would ride her horse only bareback, and usually barefoot. At the age of 17 she married Joseph Sorbello. They had three sons, Bob, Chuck and Dale. Sheri was a devoted mother to her three boys, and loved them unconditionally. Sheri said the best part of her life, however, was when her grandchildren arrived on the scene. Her grandchildren, too, consider her one of the highlights of their childhood. They laugh heartily when reminiscing about "Grandma Sweetpea": her famous gingerbread men and popcorn balls; flamboyant clothing, hair-dos, and makeup; playing "Boogie Woogie" with them on her piano; "jivin it up" on her saxophone; dancing around the room with her characteristic groove. When her first granddaughter was born, Sheri made her a tiny pair of tap shoes, calling them "Echo Tappers." She was known for telling her grandchildren, "Anything your little heart desires!" and "What could be better?!" A multi-talented woman, Sheri had trained and worked as a high-glamour hair-stylist in Hollywood and Las Vegas, and kept her cosmetology license current, long after an accident brought debilitating back pain which kept her from practicing. As a gifted artist and cartoonist, Sheri would draw cartoons on her correspondence, to the delight of her friends and family. Very musical, Sheri liked happy, toe-tapping tunes, boogie and jazz; she also played saxophone in a senior citizens jazz band. She enjoyed helping with stage make-up and the grandkids would beg her to practice on them. Sheri loved to learn and was proud of having some Native American heritage; in mid-life she decided to enroll in DQU, where she became probably their first blonde graduate! At DQU she re-embraced her childhood name of "Echo." With an unwavering faith in God, Sheri spent every ounce of her strength showing love to everyone around her. She had an uncanny way of making everyone with whom she came into contact feel treasured, possessing an extra special gift with children. Although she had few material possessions, Sheri was rich in the things that matter - love for God and love for people, a rich and ready laugh, a beaming smile, gratitude, generosity, and great and active compassion for those who were hurting or lonely. She enjoyed volunteering for the suicide prevention hotline, Head Start, and Loaves and Fishes, and visiting the home-bound. Sheri lost her precious baby sister Shirley to pneumonia when she was a child, and was later preceded in death by her parents and her older sister June Estopinal. She is survived by her brothers Herman and Edgar Broome (and his wife Mies), and sisters Doris Gilmour and Myrna Barstow. She leaves behind her three sons and their wives: Robert Jack (Heather), Samuel Charles (Pauline), and Dale Alan (Kimberly); nine grandchildren and their spouses: Robert (Pam), Sarah, Shiloh (Samantha), Jonathan (Jessica), Bethany (Richard Armstrong), Shanon, Nicholas, Grace, and Heidi; and two great-grandsons: Joseph Sorbello and Luke Armstrong. She also left behind many nieces and nephews who loved their "Auntie Sharon," and many dear friends. Sheri will be missed terribly. Yet we know that she is now rejoicing in heaven with her savior, finally free of pain and no doubt celebrating with her joyful, trademark "Whoopee!" A graveside service will be held Friday, June 1, 10 a.m., at the Davis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Gideons International or World Vision.

To plant memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Echo Sorbello, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Add Photo Light a Candle

The Word of God speaks to knowing someone by their works. Kids don't become reliable and honest adults by good fortune or fate; children become what they're taught, and what they see. If you have kids, you know such teaching is a constant, consistent, even 'late at night when your falling down tired' absolute. Sharon's three sons are military veterans and professionals who have greatly contributed to our republic, and to their communities. They have instilled the teachings of kindness, integrity, hard work, giving, courage and compassion into their own children, as their Mother taught them. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I met Sharon in 1965. Her son Dale was new to our school, and I soon found that he had the coolest Mom around. This most unusual and talented woman was consistently upbeat, kind and positive. A spirit like hers is so rare, it always served to light up those around her. Many years ago my Mom was dying of cancer. Her every day was hard, especially knowing she probably would not recover. But her final weeks were made easier because Sharon was there with her; holding her hand, telling her wonderful stories, and making her laugh. My family was deeply moved by Sharon's kindness, and we will never forget. Sharon's kind, generous, adventurous and loving spirit lives on in her children, her grandchildren, and now her great-grandchildren as well. Her bright light clearly shines through the hearts of her family, and it will likewise shine through those who shall yet become.

Leon Rupe Jun 6 2007 12:00 AM

We would like to give our condolences to the family and friends of Sheri. Her lively spirit and huge smile will be greatly missed.

Kristen Pleau Jun 3 2007 12:00 AM

Sheri was so special and one of a kind. Her beauty, kindness and humor will be missed by all.

Sharon (Rupe) Jurgens Jun 2 2007 12:00 AM

Our condolences. Sharon will surely be missed by us.May God bless you during this time of sarrow. Love, Ann Lighht,John, Jennifer & girls

John Light & family Jun 1 2007 12:00 AM

We wish to extend our sympathies to the family of Echo (Sherrie Sorbello). She has been a joy to know and will be deeply missed. Sherrie always complimented me (Penny) on my drum playing on the Worship team at Calvary Chapel Davis. We grieve with you and pray for you. Gary and Penny Stockdale

Gary and Penny Stockdale Jun 1 2007 12:00 AM

Todd and I are praying for comfort for the Sorbello Family and all of Sherri's dear friends. She was a beautiful, "sparkley" lady and I know she will light up heaven. I am so glad I got to know her. I know she was best friends with her neighbor, Priscilla, and I pray for peace and comfort for Priscilla, too.

Barbara Hammond Jun 1 2007 12:00 AM

I am so very grateful to God for bringing Sheri and I together as Friends. Sheri was a friend as well as a spiritual mother to me. She was always there for me as I navigated through college and needed courage and support to continue forward and find purpose in life. Sheri was also a mighty Christian woman who would read the bible to me and share the joy of the Lord. She had unwavering faith in God and shared her spiritual light with everyone. My parents had an opportunity to meet Sheri and were blessed by her kindness and beautiful spirit. My mom always felt good knowing that I had a spiritual mother in Davis, California to guide me in the right direction. Sheri was a family member and very wise and full of good humor. I dont want to stop writing because I still have so much more to say. Although it saddens my heart to know that when I call Sheri's number she will not be physically there to pick up the phone, my spirit rejoices with the understanding that she has a perfect home in heaven and is experiencing pure joy. Sheri was a great artist and made the best popcorn balls and she referred to me as "her little daughter" and I say to you Sheri, "mama, I look forward to giving you a big hug when we see each other in heaven. Love your daughter, Gail

Gail Wallace May 30 2007 12:00 AM

It is with great sadness that I've learned of the passing of Sherrie, or as my daughter Noelle lovingly calls her,'Grandma Sherrie.' Sherrie will be sorely missed. Her contagious smile, her famous popcorn balls are out of this world. May God bless you, and may God bless Sherrie. Whoopee!!!

Aime Hylaris May 28 2007 12:00 AM