Sharon Rose Love

Sharon Rose Love, loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, partner, and friend, passed away January 17, 2024, in her own home, surrounded by loved ones. She fought valiantly for several years to overcome the gradual onset of dementia caused by an earlier stroke.

Sharon was born in San Diego, California in 1944 to Frank and Vera Slama who were both from Nebraska. She graduated from Dana Middle School and Point Loma High School. She was a majorette in high school along with her lifelong friend, Mitzi Reed and Sharon delighted in impressing and sometimes scaring us a bit with her baton twirling skills throughout her life. Sharon later obtained her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. She married Saul Love and had their daughter, Lori, in 1967. Saul passed away in February of 2003 and Sharon remained in Point Loma her entire life. She then partnered with the love of her life, Andrew Bekech a retiree with the National City Fire Department. Sharon cherished Andy’s daughters, Kim Mitchell and Deann Galloway, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. Sharon and Andy took cruises with friends, went to Hawaii, loved Palm Desert and Dana Point, went to jazz brunches, and had

a lot of good times. Andy provided patient and loving care for Sharon over the last couple of years of her life.

Sharon was a member of the Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, the American Home Economics Association, and the Gourmet Dining Group. She established and operated a Honeybaked Ham shop in Loma Square for several years. Sharon also worked for Foodmaker, Inc. and contributed to the creation of the Fajita Pita. She opened a catering company with a dear friend and together, they put on extravagant celebrations. Sharon also taught Home Economics at Point Loma Nazarene University. Sharon’s greatest joy was caring for her only grandchild, Madison Love Alvarez who graduates in April 2024 from California Western School of Law. Madison’s anticipated graduation was a great source of pride to her grandmother. She was also proud of her granddaughter’s long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Jake Stott whom she adored for his wit and genuine kindness. She appreciated Jake’s loving family and how they had embraced Madison.

Sharon was an avid entertainer who threw lavish dinner parties having been trained in San Francisco at the California Culinary Academy. She rarely followed recipes and could whip up a gourmet meal in an instant. Sharon loved traveling to food shows and pursuing continued training with her lifelong friend from college, Barbara Doren. Sharon and Barbara took cruises, went to Europe, took culinary trainings, and frequently were heard laughing hysterically. Sharon loved going out to lunch or happy hours with her girlfriends. The San Diego Yacht Club, Mr. A’s, and the Bay Club were amongst her favorites. She was one of the very few people who could beat the casinos and was a VIP regular at Viejas. Her friends and family marveled at her ability to beat the odds. Sharon had a huge heart for animals and was gifted at taking in frightened strays and transforming them into healthy and cherished pets.

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Dr. Lori Love; her granddaughter, Madison Love Alvarez; her partner, Andrew Bekech; her son-in-law, Dr. Miguel Alvarez; and her brother, Frank Slama. Sharon’s love of laughter, practical jokes, loyalty to her friends and family, and ability to sacrifice and persevere will be forever missed.