Obituary for Sharon Lee Collins (Stevens)
In her typical "when I'm ready" fashion, Sharon peacefully answered God's call on December 2, 2020. She was kind, fierce, and determined right up to her last breath. Her days are now undoubtedly spent enjoying a cup of tea, playing games, and having good conversations with the family and friends that have gone before her, especially her son Greg.
Sharon lived her life caring for others. From her days as one of the oldest of the nine siblings in the Stevens/Pacatte household in Omro, family has always been her top priority. She learned early that family had nothing to do with blood or DNA, but instead was defined by love and support - given and received. She carried these lessons throughout her career with the Oshkosh Area School District. Although she started at the district office, she soon realized her true calling was to support the staff and love the families of Sunset and Carl Traeger Elementary Schools. In her more recent years, she continued her life of compassion and kindness with the neighbors and friends at Havenwood Lake Apartments, driving people to appointments, welcoming new tenants, and organizing group gatherings. Above all, her greatest pride was found in nurturing Stan, Sarah, and Greg, and later the Jaschob family - Chad, Sarah, Zach, Josh, Elaynah, and Reeghan.
She found happiness in engaging in anything social. In retirement, she spent her time going to the theater, playing cards with friends, visiting the casino, reading, and working on puzzles. She never missed the Packers, Brewers, or a Nascar race. Her favorite sporting event was watching Elaynah twirl baton for halftime of a Herd game - the best of both worlds.
There was nothing in life that brought her more joy than being a grandma. Tea parties, puzzles, games, crafts, sleepovers, and weekend getaways were at the top of the list of things to do together. She never missed a sporting event, concert, recital, or school play. Above all, she loved driving her granddaughters to and from school or dance classes and valued this one-on-one time for the simplest of conversations.
The memories her friends, family, and grandkids have far outweighed any gifts that could be held in your hand. It was important for her to share experiences and time with the ones she loved. The memories made will allow her to care for us until we are together again.
Those of us left behind want her to know that we love her and will miss her beyond measure. We are grateful for the adoration and encouragement she blessed us with and are unbelievably proud of her strength and determination she put into fighting to stay with us. We wish to thank the outstanding staff of Mercy Medical Center's Coronavirus Wing. They were her family when her family couldn't be there. They were our comforter when she could not be. Most importantly, they gave of themselves so she could pass with the dignity and peace she deserved. Even though she loved flowers, she would agree it is more important to show comfort, love, and honor to those working so selflessly to promote the healing of the victims of this pandemic. In keeping with Sharon's core values, the family has set up a memorial fund to support and care for the healthcare workers, staff, and chaplains at Mercy Medical Center, Coronavirus Wing. If you feel inclined, donations can be mailed to Verve Credit Union, Sharon Collins Memorial. For your convenience, a GoFundMe has been established by Sarah Jaschob. Click the link found here or search Sharon Collins Memorial on GoFundMe.com.
When it is safe for all to gather, her family looks forward to celebrating with you a life well-lived, honoring the many memories and contributions of this remarkable mother, grandma, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend.
"I tried to live my life to put others first. I have lived my life fully and love all of you dearly. Be happy for me" – Sharon Collins
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sharon-collins-memorial
Sharon lived her life caring for others. From her days as one of the oldest of the nine siblings in the Stevens/Pacatte household in Omro, family has always been her top priority. She learned early that family had nothing to do with blood or DNA, but instead was defined by love and support - given and received. She carried these lessons throughout her career with the Oshkosh Area School District. Although she started at the district office, she soon realized her true calling was to support the staff and love the families of Sunset and Carl Traeger Elementary Schools. In her more recent years, she continued her life of compassion and kindness with the neighbors and friends at Havenwood Lake Apartments, driving people to appointments, welcoming new tenants, and organizing group gatherings. Above all, her greatest pride was found in nurturing Stan, Sarah, and Greg, and later the Jaschob family - Chad, Sarah, Zach, Josh, Elaynah, and Reeghan.
She found happiness in engaging in anything social. In retirement, she spent her time going to the theater, playing cards with friends, visiting the casino, reading, and working on puzzles. She never missed the Packers, Brewers, or a Nascar race. Her favorite sporting event was watching Elaynah twirl baton for halftime of a Herd game - the best of both worlds.
There was nothing in life that brought her more joy than being a grandma. Tea parties, puzzles, games, crafts, sleepovers, and weekend getaways were at the top of the list of things to do together. She never missed a sporting event, concert, recital, or school play. Above all, she loved driving her granddaughters to and from school or dance classes and valued this one-on-one time for the simplest of conversations.
The memories her friends, family, and grandkids have far outweighed any gifts that could be held in your hand. It was important for her to share experiences and time with the ones she loved. The memories made will allow her to care for us until we are together again.
Those of us left behind want her to know that we love her and will miss her beyond measure. We are grateful for the adoration and encouragement she blessed us with and are unbelievably proud of her strength and determination she put into fighting to stay with us. We wish to thank the outstanding staff of Mercy Medical Center's Coronavirus Wing. They were her family when her family couldn't be there. They were our comforter when she could not be. Most importantly, they gave of themselves so she could pass with the dignity and peace she deserved. Even though she loved flowers, she would agree it is more important to show comfort, love, and honor to those working so selflessly to promote the healing of the victims of this pandemic. In keeping with Sharon's core values, the family has set up a memorial fund to support and care for the healthcare workers, staff, and chaplains at Mercy Medical Center, Coronavirus Wing. If you feel inclined, donations can be mailed to Verve Credit Union, Sharon Collins Memorial. For your convenience, a GoFundMe has been established by Sarah Jaschob. Click the link found here or search Sharon Collins Memorial on GoFundMe.com.
When it is safe for all to gather, her family looks forward to celebrating with you a life well-lived, honoring the many memories and contributions of this remarkable mother, grandma, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend.
"I tried to live my life to put others first. I have lived my life fully and love all of you dearly. Be happy for me" – Sharon Collins
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sharon-collins-memorial