OBITUARY
Sharon Kay Irvine
February 4, 1965 – January 22, 2021
Sharon Kay Irvine, age 55, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on January 22, 2021. She was born on February 4, 1965 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of the late Edgar & Mary Ann (Bielejeski) Irvine. The family moved to Grand Rapids when Sharon was young and she grew up in the family home alongside her three sisters.
As a teenager, Sharon was a caring and helping soul. She was a candy striper at Butterworth Hospital, volunteering many hours each week. There was even a feature in the Grand Rapids Press regarding teens and volunteering. Sharon was the central focus of the article. Sharon graduated from City High School in Grand Rapids, MI in June of 1983.
Sharon enjoyed learning and in 1987, she was proud to receive her Associate of Arts degree from Grand Rapids Junior College. This motivated her to continue her education and she soon earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Accounting from Western Michigan University.
A hard worker and a committed employee, Sharon spent her career working for various organizations utilizing her business and accounting skills. She held roles such as accounting specialist, accountant and fund accountant, business manager, and financial analyst. Her career included dedicated use of her talents in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
A woman with a strong faith, Sharon was active in her church. She enjoyed working with the ministries that catered to the children and teens. Her love of learning led to her regular participation in the small groups that focused on book studies. She found that the discussions allowed her to grow and stretch herself.
Sharon loved to go for long walks, take drives down unfamiliar country roads, and put together puzzles in her home. She also loved working on various projects in her home, making it reflective of who she was. In the warmer months, Sharon would often take day trips to visit the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and take pictures of all of God’s creations. She was always sharing pictures of His beauty with loved ones, whether it be the lake, a sunset, or flowers she would encounter in her adventures.
Sharon was intelligent, kind, and always willing to give a helping hand. She was passionate and persistent, never giving up on the journey to know God and be known. Her fun-loving and caring spirit will be deeply missed!
Sharon is survived by her sisters Theresa Harbor, Angela Darling and Pamela (Rick) Stegehuis, as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews and numerous other relatives and friends.
A memorial service for Sharon will be held on Sunday, February 28th at 2:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Friends and family may also join the service via live stream by visiting Sharon’s memory page at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com or https://www.facebook.com/reyersnorthvalleychapel.
Services
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Memorial Service
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Memories
Sharon Kay Irvine
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAngela Darling
February 27, 2021
Sharon holding her nephew Nicolas in December 1985
Kelly Branch
February 16, 2021
I enjoyed getting to know Sharon over the years. What started as her being a friend of my sister in laws blossomed into a friendship of our own. I looked forward to chatting with her at my nieces birthday parties every year and then exchanging messages and emails with her the last few years. She was so encouraging and had such a kind heart. She showed a genuine interest in other people’s lives and I will miss her dearly. Until we meet again my friend.
Jen Branch
February 9, 2021
Sharon was a wonderful friend to me for nearly 20 years. She always checked in, sending me quotes or great books to consider reading. She prayed for my family faithfully and we enjoyed many visits over the years. She brought gifts for my family on Christmas and on my daughters' birthdays. She was courageous and compassionate all at the same time. I will miss her terribly and the dinners out that lasted for hours, as we never ran out of things to talk about. Thank you, God, for giving us Sharon to show us how to grow and love You and others well.
Angela Darling
February 4, 2021
The Irvine girls.
Angela Darling
February 4, 2021
Happy Birthday Sharon! You are missed.
Love, Angela
Joyce DeBoer
February 2, 2021
I just found out about the passing of Sharon. I'm so sorry to hear it. I worked with Sharon for a few years. Prayers to her friends and family.
Sincerely,
Joyce DeBoer
Theresa Harbor
January 30, 2021
Sharon at age 16.
Carol Bielejeski
January 28, 2021
I was shocked to hear about Sharon's untimely death. As her Aunt, who has lived 56 years in California, I only had contact with Sharon a few times as a little girl and more recently through email. I was always impressed with the care she had for her Grandmother Bielejeski who lived many, many years as a widow. Sharon would go from Grand Rapids visit her in her apartment in Trenton, Mi.
I, too, was sorry she was not able to live more in her house as she was so excited about it.
Michelle N
January 27, 2021
Hello! I was Sharon’s mail carrier.. i am so saddened to have received this new of her passing! Sharon would always meet me with a smile and always made me feel appreciated! Sending prayers to her loved ones
JAMES MUNANGA
January 27, 2021
My heart is heavy, I have known fine people in my life but one person was selfless, caring and jovial was Sharon.
I have so many fond memories of Sharon,one always memory that will always and forever be in my heart is the time Theresa,Sharon and I vacationed in Las Vegas- how fun that was! She made sure we explored different places in Vegas and I could see the determination in her eyes that I, especially needed and had to see these places and made sure I felt at home and belonged. Rest In Paradise Sharon. You will forever be missed and in our hearts.Always.
Karen Conroy
January 27, 2021
Sharon and I have been friends since high school. Over the years she shared pictures taken on her many scenic walks or country drives. I especially appreciated her taking us virtually along with her when she took a month long driving tour East and up through Canada and Newfoundland... and back.
I wish she had been able to have many more years in her new home, enjoying its lovely view of the park. My heartfelt sympathy to her sisters and family. I will deeply miss her.
Theresa Harbor
January 27, 2021
Sharon in 2011.
Theresa Harbor
January 27, 2021
This photo was taken the day Sharon met James and me in Las Vegas in 2009. It was the first time the two of them met.
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Sharon visiting Theresa on Kaua`i in 2003
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Irvine Christmas card (circa 1975)
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Sharon graduating from high school in 1983.
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Sharon (with Pamela and Angela) in Feb. 1978 (age 13)
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Christmas 1986
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Irvine Christmas family photo 1968
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Thanksgiving 1983 (Sharon is on the far left)
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Family meal in (circa 1977)
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Sharon age 13
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Sharon kissing a friend
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Irvine Christmas card (circa 1978)
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Sharon with Dad and Mom before graduation, 1983
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Sharon's 5th grade school photo
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Irvine Christmas card 1977
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Sharon (far right) with Mom, Pamela and Angela, June 1982
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"I'm the Queen of the world!" Sharon on a boat touring around Kaua`i in 2003.
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Sharon volunteering with the Girl Scouts while visiting Theresa on Kaua`i in 2003
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Sharon visiting Duke's on Kaua`i with Theresa in 2003
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Sharon with Grandma Bielejeski
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Sharon (center) coloring Easter eggs
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Sharon playing croquet
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Sharon loved keeping up the "Night Before Christmas" book reading tradition
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Sharon's 10th birthday
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Sharon before a dance recital in 1972
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Sharon (center) dressed for Easter in 1969
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Sharon's 4th birthday
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Sharon's 3rd birthday
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Sharon, age 3
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Sharon, age 2
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Sharon's 2nd birthday
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Sharon (left, age 2) with Theresa and Mom for some reading time
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Sharon (right, age 1-1/2) enjoying Christmas
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Sharon (right) enjoying Halloween (1966)
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Sharon (left), age 1
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Sharon with Mom, Dad, and Theresa (on the left with Mom; on the right with Dad)
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Sharon (right), Easter 1966
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Sharon (right), age 1
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Sharon visiting Theresa on Kaua`i in 2003
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Irvine Christmas card (circa 1975)
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Sharon graduating from high school in 1983.
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Sharon (with Pamela and Angela) in Feb. 1978 (age 13)
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Christmas 1986
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Irvine Christmas family photo 1968
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Thanksgiving 1983 (Sharon is on the far left)
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Family meal in (circa 1977)
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Sharon age 13
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Sharon kissing a friend
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Irvine Christmas card (circa 1978)
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Sharon with Dad and Mom before graduation, 1983
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Sharon's 5th grade school photo
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Irvine Christmas card 1977
FROM THE FAMILY
Sharon (far right) with Mom, Pamela and Angela, June 1982
FROM THE FAMILY
"I'm the Queen of the world!" Sharon on a boat touring around Kaua`i in 2003.
FROM THE FAMILY
Sharon volunteering with the Girl Scouts while visiting Theresa on Kaua`i in 2003
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Sharon visiting Duke's on Kaua`i with Theresa in 2003
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Sharon with Grandma Bielejeski
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Sharon (center) coloring Easter eggs
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Sharon playing croquet
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Sharon loved keeping up the "Night Before Christmas" book reading tradition
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Sharon's 10th birthday
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Sharon before a dance recital in 1972
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Sharon (center) dressed for Easter in 1969
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Sharon's 4th birthday
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Sharon's 3rd birthday
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Sharon, age 3
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Sharon, age 2
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Sharon's 2nd birthday
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Sharon (left, age 2) with Theresa and Mom for some reading time
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Sharon (right, age 1-1/2) enjoying Christmas
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Sharon (right) enjoying Halloween (1966)
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Sharon (left), age 1
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Sharon with Mom, Dad, and Theresa (on the left with Mom; on the right with Dad)
FROM THE FAMILY
Sharon (right), Easter 1966
FROM THE FAMILY
Sharon (right), age 1