Sharon Lynn Zidek

Sharon Lynn Zidek 69, of Orlando, went home to be with Jesus on August 14, 2017. She was born June 30, 1948 in Newton, New Jersey and grew up in Milton and Sparta, New Jersey. Sharon was preceded in death by her sister Kay Digiacinto, and her brother Clinton “Butch” Woodstrom. She is survived by her brother James Woodstrom, sister Doris Midili, children; Jackie Bedoya of Casselberry, son John Zidek and wife Karen of Wildwood, son-in-law Miro of Orlando. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Shad, Brianna, Sara, Joshua, and Alden, and 3 greatgrandchildren; Brentley, Mason and Emma.

Sharon was the youngest of five children and as the shortest, by far, always joked there was nothing left for her as the runt of the litter. She was a tomboy, always outside swimming, ice skating or playing baseball. She loved pranks like Pull the Pocketbook or Playing Dead along the side of the road to scare unsuspecting people driving by.

Sharon was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved making the kids laugh. Always on the front row cheering them on at their games. No matter what her day had been, she always made time for her kids and grandkids. Her smile was its biggest and brightest when she was with them.

Sharon loved to eat, although you couldn’t tell by her petite physique. As she liked to say, she would eat anything that didn’t eat her first, and she truly meant it. From lobster to pickled pig’s feet, she ate it all, but her favorite was getting ice cream, especially banana splits, with her grandkids.

Her gardens were legendary. Every year had a bumper crop of something. The beet year is not such a fond memory of her children, but the melon year sure was a sweet one.

Over the years, Sharon worked her way up from a waitress to management in the food and beverage industry. KFC is what brought her from WV to Orlando. The ironic part was she didn’t like the Colonel’s fried chicken. When she retired from KFC, she went to work for Orange County Public Schools as a cafeteria manager. This was probably her favorite job as it was the first time she ever had weekends off and she loved all the children she served.

The other great joy was Sharon’s church family. She loved serving them in many ways, both seen and unseen. She could always be counted on to cook for any and every occasion. She loved going on mission’s trips so she could roll up her sleeves and get to work or love on someone who needed a touch from God. The many unseen things others have shared since her illness and passing have been a source of blessing to her family. Sharon was always a very generous, loving person, but when Jesus got ahold of her heart, she spread his love far and wide.

Sharon’s favorite TV shows have become family traditions:

- Wheel of Fortune – She was selected to audition at Universal, but sadly, didn’t make it to the live show

- Antique Roadshow – she was convinced we had treasure hidden in our houses or would find it at the next yard

- Andy Griffith – she loved Barney Fife and responded to his voice almost to the very end

She was a lifelong lover of the Cubs. She always did root for the underdog and had faith when others didn’t.

Sharon found joy and humor in everything in life. Her quick wit and contagious laughter have caused more than a few people to pee their pants laughing. Her joke offs with friends and family were great entertainment. Her funny banter with the pastor during his sermons has been missed.

Her joyous, loving spirit will be missed more than words can ever express.

Her Celebration of Life Service will be September 9th at 2:00. Sharon wanted everyone to have a party to remember her by, so come dressed casually in colorful clothes. Sharon’s favorite colors were pink and yellow. Her daughter will host a potluck open house afterwards, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center http://adrccares.org/, YWAM Orlando https://www.ywamorlando.com/ or a Christian charity of your choice.