Sharon Saunders
Sharon Olsen Saunders was born on April 17, 1946 in Provo, Utah and passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025 in Pinole, California. Preceding her in death were her parents, Lynn Olsen and Beulah Pearl Olsen and brother David Olsen. She is survived by her siblings Duane Olsen and Sharree Olsen of Utah, her darling daughter Kelsey Kate Saunders of San Francisco and ex-husband, Kevin Forrest Saunders of Novato.
Sharon graduated from college at Brigham Young University and was crowned Miss Congeniality in the Miss Utah beauty pageant. Sharon first worked in advertising in Salt Lake City before moving to Denver, and brought that success to San Francisco.
Known as a “Numbers Buyer” in advertising, Sharon founded the powerhouse advertising media buying service, Media Mentor. Sharon successfully ran this company for over 30 years, earning a reputation as “the best broadcast negotiator around.” Her media buying prowess was tremendously valuable to such clients as Longs Drug Stores, KGO-TV, ABC Evening News, Northern California Cadillac Dealers, 20th Century Fox, Flying ‘A’ Advertising, many Native American casinos and TV shows Oprah, Rosie, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Sharon was honored in a feature by Adweek Magazine for her stellar work. Big thanks to those who aided in her biggest successes including David Smith, Gary Fiset, Mike Amsbry and Martin Rockey.
Sharon was a huge lover of art and music. Her home was filled with her own paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic. Sharon relished her travels around the world, sharing her trips with family and friends; the world’s most famous art museums were the highlights of her journeys. Sharon frequently attended the symphony and the ballet, and imparted this love for the classical arts unto her daughter, Kelsey.
Sharon loved animals and had many pets throughout her life. She leaves behind her cat Baby, who has found a loving home with her daughter Kelsey. Sharon now joins her past beloved dog Arnold Marie and cats Palmer and Razzy.
A member of the Party Animal Club, it was appropriate that Sharon left us on 4/20. Sharon passed away peacefully with her family at her side.