Paige Wilson Dearden (our Swee' Pea)

Sharon Hogan Geary is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Sending much love forward to all our Sigma Sisters. It has been a tough couple of years of isolation and difficult for us to witness a world in crisis. For those who have recently lost loved ones this group has been a great source of love and support. Even though we have been living in isolation, we could always count on a word of encouragement from the kindest hearts there are. “One Heart One Way” never really speaks louder than when the tough times hit. For that, I think we are all deeply grateful.

One of the biggest blows was loosing Paige Wilson Dearden to Cancer in December of 2020. In the thick of the pandemic we were deprived of grieving together and memorializing her in the way she deserved. She was an exemplary Sigma and a dear beloved friend to us all. She was the “favorite teacher” to the many students she influenced in her 29 years at Vichy Elementary School. The only thing she did better was being a devoted wife and nurturing mother to her 2 children, Sam and Addie. To depict how her family has coped in the wake of her loss is something no words can express.

This last December on the anniversary of Paige’s passing, we road tripped up to the Dearden Winery for a quick check in with Chris and got a chance to tour the soon to open tasting room of Dearden Winery. Chris has spent the last year quietly building the winery he and Paige had dreamed of. During our visit we were hoping to find a way we can properly memorialize Paige. Looking at the many empty walls an inspiration was found. We decided to commission a piece of art to adorn the new tasting room in her honor. We found a local artist who will paint the mountain view from Chris and Paige’s backyard known to them as the “Sleeping Giant”. Also, the name of their highly acclaimed wine. Prepared to move forward we felt it would be fitting that this gift come from the greater group of sisters who all love and miss our Swee’Pea. If you feel inclined to donate to this project we will add your name to our roster and list of invitees to an organized Sigma Kappa reunion in Napa to unveil the final piece of art. Our goal is $5000 to fund the project. If we have any remaining funds we will allocate the surplus to expenses for the gathering and unveiling. The date will be announced once we have a better idea of when it will be completed and we will give everyone plenty of advance notice.

Our hope is that this painting will lift up the hearts of all that set eyes on it. It will be a view that Paige loved and adored and where she spent many of her greatest families memories. It will be a reminder to her family of the close friendships she nurtured and that her presence made a difference in all our lives.

One Heart One Way,

Marydonna Falconer Malaccorto (Helmet Head), Nina Vedder Ames (Bogie) and Sharon Hogan Geary (Figgers)