Sharon Kay Tessman

     We honor the life of Sharon Matthews, who was known by many names; friend, "a precious beautiful sister", Aunt Sharon, beloved sister, Mom, grandma, nice grandma, great grandma, grandma *pumpkin* -- she referred to her many grandchildren as her wonderful "pumpkin patch".
     Her ferocious fight against cancer has ended.
     She is, at last, experiencing no pain and because many years ago she placed her belief in the saving power Jesus Christ, is absent of the body and present with the Lord.
     We are thankful for her peace yet sad for her absence.
     A genuinely SPECIAL woman, who loved the Lord, encouraged creativity, tender moments and made *you* feel like the center of her universe.
     However down, sad, lost, or alone you felt, she was there with a generous spirit, wanting nothing in return.
     She adored children and loved spending time and talking with them. She was the ultimate baby sitter.
     She always looked forward to class reunion which she attended with lifelong friends Jerry and Patty Palek, and Dale DeMott.
      She was fully in her element when serving, with a joyous smile, her amazing cooking and delicious desserts that elevated others to her level of happiness, one bite at a time.
      Her spectacular laugh, the sweet and precious memories, the radiating joy she filled us with, the *unconditional* and all-surrounding love that we all felt every time that we were with her.....
     These treasures can't be taken away.
     She gave them to each of us and it is now our responsibility to hold them dear, even while she is no longer here.
     Her passing was peaceful and effortless, because this was someone who knew that she left the world, and all of us here, specifically -- the people she loved and cared for so passionately -- better; better because of her.
     To Sharon, mom, grammy (and great-grammy) pumpks, aunt and sister >> thank you.
     We would not have been the same without you and we are so genuinely grateful for our time with you.
     Missed and not forgotten.
     Mom is survived by sisters: Cathy, Becky, and Marcie, and brothers: big John and little John, Lifelong friends Jerry and Patty Palek. Daughter Wendy, Sons: Gene (Diana), Matt (Kristi) and Andy (Ruth), many Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy, father Harry, sisters Patricia, Mary Ellen, and Dorie, husbands Eugene and Ivan, son Rodney, and grandson Devin.
     Reading from the WORD:
     Psalm 34:17-18:
     The righteous cry for help and the Lord hears. He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit..
      Proverbs 31:29-31: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
     Private Graveside Services have taken place at North Star Cemetery.
     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.