Sharon Stearns

Sharon Lee Stearns was a talented professional and a committed family woman. She attended to her husband, children and grandchildren with love and care, while devoting her art to a career in teaching. She was at the same time creative and stubborn, kind-hearted and conflict-avoidant. Her home was warm and welcoming as well as a place where Sharon was rejuvenated and inspired. The world around her was made that much more beautiful by her gifts and personality.

Sharon was born to John and Anne (Stassek) Foster in Kalamazoo, Michigan on February 11, 1945. It was a time of sacrifice for citizens of the United States, as the nation was heavily invested in World War II and Allied Forces were nearing a long-awaited victory. Families made do with what they had in order to make life as good as possible for their children. Sharon’s father was employed as a truck driver while her mother and stepfather, Lawrence “Larry” Ebertsch, both worked at National Waterlift. Larry and Sharon grew as close as parent and child could be.

Life in Kalamazoo offered Sharon and her older brother John the opportunities that come with a university town, yet she always enjoyed going to her grandparents dairy farm in nearby Bloomingdale. Sharon was a bit of a tomboy and somewhat accident prone as a result. In high school she was active as a cheerleader, though her interest in the sport of archery began in college. Her skills were sharp enough that she was asked to consider trying out for the Olympic team , however, her career choice and creative talents led her into the field of art.

After graduating from Loy Norrix High School in 1963, Sharon attended Kellogg Community College, then Western Michigan, where she received her BSFA, and finally to Michigan State University for a master’s degree. She taught art at Kalamazoo Central High School for two years and then at Gull Lake Community Schools for 29 years. To say that Sharon was artistic does not fully capture her abilities, for she was musical as well. She was able to teach herself how to play musical instruments, from the banjo to the harmonica.

It was while Sharon was a student at Kellogg CC that she met Dan Stearns. The two dated for six months before marrying on October 8, 1966 at St. Monica Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children—Dan and Christa—and the joy of parenting accompanied Sharon’s passion for teaching. She managed her professional and home life with an ease that communicated a priority toward family. Favorite meals around the Stearns household included pasta, potato salad and Polish galumpkis. Her home welcomed all “comers,” from friends and strangers to pets and stray animals.

Though home meant comfort and hospitality, Sharon also liked to travel. She headed west to visit her brother in Montana and north for all season skiing in Michigan’s Water Winter Wonderland. Wherever a family reunion was held, Sharon was there. She made family a priority in her full and satisfying life.

Sharon Lee Stearns of Richland, Michigan passed away on Saturday June 7, 2014 at the age of 69. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Dan; two children: Dan (Susan) Stearns of Caledonia; Christa (Chris) Grimes of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren: Ryan and Adam Stearns; and Blake Grimes. She is preceded in death by her brother: John “Jack” Foster.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 28th from 4 to 6pm at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. There will be a time of sharing and celebrating Sharon’s life at 5pm at the same location.

Please visit Sharon’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, sign her guestbook, share a photo and memory. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and/or Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation in memory of Sharon Stearns.

The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600).