After deciding writing was her true love, she left the fast-paced life of Hollywood and had a
long career at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore in West Hollywood, where she continued her work,
finally as a department manager. For several years, she contributed book reviews to the Bodhi
Tree Book Review, which was published two times a year for over a decade. Ivy was highly
regarded for her intelligence, knowledge, and warmth of relationship. Her bright personal
presence was indelible and she was noted for her spirited repartee.
When thinking of Ivy, the image of the dragon comes to mind: fierceness of spirit, graceful
in repose, powerful, physically dynamic, intelligent, spiritual, mysterious, and private. She
was our beloved friend.
A memorial was held for Ivy Camille Sharpe on Saturday, November 18, 2006. Many friends and
family attended. Among those who spoke were Phil Thompson and Jane Van Loon.
Phil Thompson: I am representing a large number of employees from the Bodhi Tree who have wonderful remembrances of Ivy during her bookstore employment of 18 years.... Eighteen years, a long time, ....to come in and see her as so many of us did, for three or four days every week.
She was our absolute model of integrity. ....She freely shared her counsel, advice, encouragement, sympathy, whatever was needed when there was chaos or joy in our lives..... She always had time to share a secret treasure, a new movie, or one of my bad jokes.
What we already miss is "Ivyness",... she was a beautiful person, gentle, kind,... what a wonderful smile,... a lady in the true sense of the word. She was our touchstone, we could always count on her to be there and listen with an open heart.
Her interest in her work and her enthusiasm to help was an inspiration for all of us.
She was not a neutral person when it came to politics or literature, she was creative and persuasive, and passionate. ......We shall all miss our heated office discussions.
An emptiness exists when someone such as Ivy passes along,... never to be filled,.... never replaced,.... memories,...a rare sensitive soul.... this doesn’t happen often in our lifetimes and when it does we are left with awe, sadness, and gratitude.
"Yes, oh yes, turn off the war."
Ivy, November 1, 2006
Ivy, has my heart on her sleeve.
I can see that it’s not alone.
There’s room for all of us to grieve
As she goes, as she goes back home.
She has more than enough to spare.
Like sunlight on the autumn leaves,
Her love, is strong enough to share
When wind, when wind strips bare the leaves.
Ivy, you turned away to rest.
I saw the pain upon your face.
Hurting, you sought the pillowed nest.
I’m left, having witnessed your grace.
The lion at the window sees her
And holds her in his golden gaze.
She sees him, how he turns to go
Away, to guide her through the maze.
Her family and friends agree
Her light is brightening the dark.
Her glow helps us become more free:
We see by the love of Ivy Sharpe.
Thank you, Ivy.
Jane van Loon
11/18/06
