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Sharlene Newbold Thum, 67, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 1, 2026. She fought the good fight and remained positive throughout her courageous battle with cancer. Sharlene was born on December 22, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. Sharlene was the fifth of ten children born to Darlene Casper and William Stewart Newbold. Sharlene studied at the prestigious Los Angeles School of Merchandise and Design with plans of moving to New York to pursue fashion design, but along came her “handsome guy,” Richard Thum. They met in Los Angeles where they lived prior to moving to San Antonio and cofounding the first of many Five Star Cleaners located throughout the city. In the early days, she waited on customers, inspected clothing, and made repairs and alterations, including delicate work on wedding gowns. Her love of fashion led to the growth and formation of one of the top wedding gown repair and restoration facilities in San Antonio as further supported by the awards (over 26 of them) she received including from Brides Choice, the Knot and WeddingWire. For over 40 years, Sharlene brought warmth to San Antonio winters through the Cold Days Warm Hearts campaign, gathering used coats to be cleaned, repaired, and shared with those in need. Over a half a million coats were distributed thanks to her dedication and vision. She brought not only warmth through coats, but also through her kindness, hospitality, and genuine care for others. Canned food drives for the San Antonio Food Bank, Girl Scouts selling cookies, and community fundraising efforts were frequent sights at Five Star Cleaners. She gave back generously to the community she adopted as her own. In addition to charitable work, over the years she served on several community boards including Dominion Women’s Club (President), the Dominion Country Club, and the International Wedding Gown Association. Sharlene comes from a family of longstanding accomplished musicians. As a young girl she participated with her family in many concerts and performances and developed a strong love of music. An accomplished cellist herself, music remained an important part of her life to the very end. Sharlene loved horses and spent many hours riding at the arena. She loved dressage competitions and especially walking away with blue ribbons. Her beloved horses, Troy and Picasso, stole her heart from the minute she met them. As the business grew and she had a bit more time, she loved traveling throughout the world with Richard. They went on several world cruises and especially loved Africa and New Zealand. They collected memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. Through all her travels, Sharlene’s favorite place on earth or her “little slice of heaven,” as she affectionately referred to it, was Pebble Beach. She loved being co-pilot with her husband as they flew across the United States, frequently ending up in Pebble Beach. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Indoor and outdoor decorations started going up each October, transforming her home into a glowing celebration of light and joy. Music and lights drew neighbors to drive by and bask in the spirit of the season. Trick or treaters also found their way to a delightfully spooky Halloween welcome as she opened her door to neighbors. Sharlene is survived by the love of her life and husband of 46 years, Richard Thum; her sisters Denise Newbold, Stephanie Hamberg and husband James, Melanie Hernandez-Gonzales and husband Jose Gonzales; and brothers, Brent Newbold and wife Debra, Kent Newbold and wife Stephanie; sisters in-law Ann Jurski, Lynn Caldwell and husband Kevin, and Margaret Thum; brother in law, Robert Thum, many nieces, nephews, and cousins and their families and her beloved service dog “Tex,” all of whom were touched by her generosity, humor, and love. Sharlene was preceded in death by her parents William Stewart Newbold, Sr. and Darlene Casper Newbold, her siblings William Stewart Newbold, Jr., Bick Newbold, Bryan Newbold, Shauna Newbold and nephew William (Billie) Newbold. A special thank you to her wonderful caretaker, Carmen Ayala, whom Sharlene lovingly referred to as her special angel. Sharlene’s faith remained constant and steadfast throughout her life as a long-time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is now in a glorious place with her Lord and Savior. Until we meet again, Sharlene! Services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapel Dominion, 20900 IH 10 West. A visitation will be held at 11:00 am outside the chapel prior to the Service. Interment will be at the Mission Burial Park North next door to the chapel immediately following the service. After the graveside service, a reception will follow at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Dr. Steve Buckley, Dr. John Calhoon, Paul Hoodless, Dr. Scott Kercheville, Dr. Pete Ledoux, and Dr. Max Lucado. Honorary Pallbearers: Colonel Frank Corte, Bryce Newbold, James Hamberg, Brianna Hernandez, and Tex, Sharlene’s “little boy.” In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Triple H Equitherapy Center, 791 Backhaus Road, Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.triple-h.org and UT Health of San Antonio Mays Cancer Center for glioblastoma research https://give.uthscsa.edu and select neuro-oncology, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, mail code 7835, San Antonio, Tx 78229.

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Sharlene Newbold Thum

December 22, 1958 - February 1, 2026