Sharon Nixon lived with her adult son, Curtis Nixon, until last week when he unexpectedly died in his sleep at the age of 37. Sharon, who is 85, worked at Sears in Idaho Falls for 40 years and served paperwork for the courts until she had a massive stroke when she was 82. Her husband passed away years ago and she also buried an adult daughter who died of cancer. When Sharon called the funeral home to make preparations for her son’s funeral, she realized she did not have enough money to pay for the burial he and she wanted. She needed to have him cremated as it was all she could afford. Secret Santa heard about Sharon’s dilemma and asked the East Idaho News elves to pay her a visit. Check out the surprise – link in comments below.

An 85-year-old Idaho Falls woman received an unexpected holiday surprise after facing the heartbreaking loss of her son last week.

Sharon Nixon, who had lived with her 37-year-old son, Curtis Nixon, was devastated when he unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. Sharon, a longtime resident and former Sears employee who also served as a court paperwork clerk, has endured multiple personal losses, including the deaths of her husband and an adult daughter to cancer.

After Curtis’s passing, Sharon realized she could not afford the funeral arrangements she and her son had hoped for. With limited funds, she was forced to consider cremation, as it was the only option within her means.

Hearing of her situation, a local initiative known as Secret Santa, in coordination with East Idaho News, stepped in to help. Volunteers provided financial assistance and support, giving Sharon the opportunity to honor her son with the funeral he deserved.

The community’s generosity has touched Sharon deeply, highlighting the power of local support during times of grief.