Sharon was the youngest of 7 children born to the late Marie (Hansen) and Thomas Nealon in Greeley, Nebraska and graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1965. The following year she married Kenneth Cheney and they have enjoyed 56 years of marriage and raised 2 daughters (Michelle and Andrea) together in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Sharon is survived by her husband, daughter Andrea Perrea and her husband Marty Perrea, daughter Michelle Cheney and granddaughter Delaney Cheney-Scholz. She is also survived by her sister Kathryn Lingren, sister-in-law Marilyn Nealon, sister-in-law Delores Nealon, brother-in-law Bruce Cheney (wife Carolyn) and brother-in-law Wayne Cheney (wife Doralyn), as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and their children.
Sharon is predeceased by her parents, brothers Jack and Tom, sister Ruth Barrett and brother-in-law Frank Barrett, sister Mary Finnerty and brother-in-law Dick Finnerty, sister Theresa Mahoney and brother-in-law Joseph Mahoney, and brother-in-law Dale Lingren.
In addition to her nursing degree, Sharon also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, a Masters of Arts degree and a graduate certificate in Gerontology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
Sharon worked as a nurse in the cardiac cath lab at Bryan Hospital, was a hospital administrator at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and a clinic manager of a women’s health clinic. She also taught classes at a local community college.
Sharon started her own public speaking company and gave herself the title of CFO – Chief Fun Officer. She loved educating audiences all over the US on topics such as humor and your health, left brain-right brain thinking and healthy aging. After retiring, she served as a volunteer instructor for Stepping On, to educate seniors about fall prevention strategies.
Sharon loved helping Ken navigate antique cars as a member of the Model T Club of Lincoln and they won several road rallies because of her sharp map reading skills. She loved sports, especially women’s college basketball and was an early member of the Fastbreakers Club to support the UNL women’s basketball program. She also attended UNL Husker football games as a season ticket holder for 50 years.
Sharon enjoyed a good Irish limerick, time on the road with Ken in their Model Ts and loved traveling the US and abroad. Her favorite state to visit was Alaska and she has been there 4 times. She also loved spending time with family and friends, playing bridge, watching her granddaughter grow up and enter high school, and hanging out with Michelle and Aunie on “girls trips” to New York City, Portland, Oregon and Kansas City, Missouri.
Sharon will be missed most for her sense of humor, love of life and being a wonderful friend, mother and wife. We love you, Sharon.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorials/Donations can be made to the Bryan Foundation to support nursing student scholarships in Sharon’s name at the Bryan College of Health Sciences.
Bryan Foundation, 1600 S 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506
Donations can be made via this link: https://www.bryanhealth.com/bryan-foundation/make-a-gift-online/
A graveside service will be held Tuesday July 5th at 3:00 pm at Lincoln Memorial cemetery 6800 S 14th St in Lincoln NE 68512. Please meet at Gate 2 of the Cemetery for a procession to the gravesite. A celebration of life gathering will be from 4:00 – 6:30 at Urban Farmhouse located at 3900 Yankee Hill Rd Lincoln, NE 68516.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6