Sharon Klose

Sharon’s story begins on September 18, 1964 in Hartford, Connecticut. She brought joy and love to those around her from the moment she was born.

Sharon found the perfect profession for her nurturing nature when she graduated, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from the St. Joseph’s College in 1987. After working with her mother at Hartford Hospital, she moved to Florida to join the nursing staff of All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. She became Florida’s first Pediatric Continuing Care Coordinator and went on to become a Pediatric Case Manager. Caring for others was always more than a job for Sharon. She loved her patients and their families and kept in touch with many after her retirement.

Sharon met John, the love of her life and best friend, during a convention in 1991. One of the family’s favorite stories is that since the T.V. show 20/20 was filming a segment about her activism for size discrimination, John and Sharon’s first kiss was captured on film and shown to a national audience. It was love at first sight and they were married in 1992.

In addition to John and her family, Sharon loved her friends, the water, music, entertaining—and just about anything pink. She was happiest when she was sitting on the beach listening to music, singing to her tunes as she drove with the top down, cooking up a big pot of sauce for family and friends, or simply being with John. Although she never had children of her own, she was like a second mother to her niece, Angela; never missing a performance and always there to listen or give a hug.

Sharon’s generous, giving spirit will be remembered by all those who she nurtured back to health, sat with during sickness, brought a meal, or sent a card at just the right time. She believed that caring for others was her purpose and many of us are better because she was in our lives.

Sharon’s strength and bravery shone through during the last few years as she faced mounting health challenges. Even though sickness eventually weakened her body, her soul remained full of faith and she continued to make new friends and care for others.

Loved ones waiting to greet her include her beloved parents Warren and Mary Russell. Left to honor her memory and remember her love are her husband John Klose, sister Lynn Covert and brother-in-law Bill; niece Angela Covert, aunt Carmen Sagnella, uncle Tony Sagnella, nieces Alyssa and Natalie Harrison, members of the Harrison and Klose families, and many loving cousins and friends.

Friends are invited to join the family to celebrate her life at Serenity Funeral Home in Largo on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. It shouldn’t surprise anyone who knew her that Sharon has requested people wear pink to remember her.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Serenity Funeral Home. The family requests that donations be made to the Lupus Foundation of America http://bit.ly/2U2mu4r or Suncoast Hospice http://bit.ly/2GZEDMn.

Sharon never lost her child-like enthusiasm for life and she shared that joy with everyone she knew. We will miss her hugs, her joy, and her love.