Sharon Mae Smith, age 86, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Sharon was born on May 19, 1938, in South Bend, Indiana, to Robert and Helen Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley Clark-Pipher; and husband, Hal Smith. Sharon married Hal Smith in 1957, and they shared nearly 65 years together until Hal’s death in 2022. They moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1960, where they made a life full of love, laughter, and family. They have five children: Linda (John) Keating; Michael (Brenda) Smith; Julie Smith; Timothy (Shannon) Smith; and Kerry Karle. Sharon thoroughly enjoyed raising her children and was also blessed with 12 grandchildren: Patrick Keating; Lauren (Griffin) Bonnema; Katherine (Ryan) Schember; Stone Smith; Rockne Smith; Kensie Smith; Kelsey Smith; Erin Smith; Patrick Smith; Hunter Karle; Payton Karle; and Ryder Karle, and her two great-grandchildren, Cassandra Schember, Faye Bonnema; and brother-in-law, Kevin (Lori) Smith.
Sharon provided a lifetime of special memories, from big holiday gatherings at her home in High Grove, to weekends at the Grand Haven cottage. She was truly at her best when surrounded by those she loved, and dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren, as well as several pets, most notably her faithful companion, Frankie. She will be missed by good friends and all who had the pleasure to have known her. Special thanks to Faith Hospice, especially nurse Lauren, and caregivers Waleeda, Heaven, and Kaliyah, of Gauthier Family Home Care. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Monday, July 8, 2024, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 am with visitation a half hour before, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home. Rev. Joe Bevelacqua, officiating. Interment Cascade Cemetery. Following the funeral, a Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held at Thornapple Pointe, 7211 48th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
2 Responses
She was so awesome. M u parents and them had great times. In heaven with our Dads..
Sharon was a wonderful person loved by so many. She cherished her family and they cherished her.