Sharon Marinello Kristensen

Beloved wife of Michael K. Kristensen for 53 years. Proud mother of daughters Helen Kristensen Fish (Brian J. Fish M.D.) and Karon Kristensen Cooper (Benjamin R. Cooper). Devoted grandmother of Brian Jr., Travis, and Lauren Fish; and Katherine “Kate” Brown.

Sharon was preceded in death by her loving parents, Helen Draube Marinello and Anthony C. “A.C.” Marinello, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Vance A. Marinello M.D. She is also survived by her brother Anthony C. Marinello, Jr. (Brenda) and her nieces and nephews.

Sharon was born and raised in uptown New Orleans, and lived her adult life in Metairie, Louisiana. She attended Fortier Senior High School where she served as Chaplain of the National Honor Society, was a representative for The Tarpon newspaper, won numerous academic awards including a National Poetry Anthology Award and a National Essay Anthology Award, and graduated in the top 1% of her class in 1964. She attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi, and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

With a passion for child development, Sharon enjoyed teaching elementary school before the birth of her children. A homemaker by calling, her life’s devotion and true joy was raising her daughters. Sharon regularly volunteered at their schools, St. Catherine of Siena and Mount Carmel Academy. She was a member of the SCS Co-Operative Club, and over the years was often busy chaperoning events, substitute teaching, being a Room Captain and a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Sharon was an active member of Salem Church in New Orleans, where she proudly served on the Church Council and penned many newsletters for the congregation. When her daughters were younger, she was a member of Good Shepherd Church, volunteering in their vibrant children’s ministry every summer as a Vacation Bible School teacher.

For 30 years, Sharon enjoyed being an LSU football season ticket holder. She looked forward to traveling to Baton Rouge with her husband to attend the LSU football games together, rain or shine. In later life, Sharon was an active member of the Metairie Women’s Club and remained very busy spending time with her grandchildren and attending all of their many special events.

Always thoughtful and willing to lend a hand with everything that she did, her friendly, sweet smile, her caring and genuine nature, and the happiness that she brought to others will be remembered. Her kind, gentle heart, her quiet beauty, and her warm hugs will be deeply missed by her whole family. Words cannot express how much her husband, daughters, and grandchildren love her, and felt loved by her. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.