Sharon R Heemsbergen

Shari was born on October 18th, 1946 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Theodore “Ted” and Dolores Robbins. Shari was especially fond of her childhood in Maple Island, Hollandale, MN and attending Albert Lea Senior High School, Class of 1964, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

That same year, Shari married Marvin Heemsbergen at Conservative Congregational Church in Hollandale, MN. They then had their first son, Heath. They began their adventure west; they relocated to Southern California and had their second son, Mikal. They then returned to Minnesota for a bit; if Shari had her way, that’s where they would have stayed. They compromised and moved to Tucson, Arizona in late 1974.

Shari met Mike O’Neal at the Music Box in 1994, and they later married. They lived a very fun and fulfilling life which included lots of dancing, backyard time, and many trips to Pinetop, AZ, with their beloved fluffy Dakota by their side.

Shari was a dedicated worker throughout her life, including 20 years at JCPenney, stints at real estate and transportation, and later with the United States Postal Service, where she was fondly known for her dependable spirit and friendly smile on her routes. After retiring from USPS, she continued to serve her community through retail work at Kohl’s, utilizing her adored “Kohl’s Cash” to the fullest.

A constant in Shari’s life was the song in her heart and the rhythm in her step. She sang in her church choir, she loved to dance, she played piano, and she attended a multitude of concerts over the years, including her favorites, Elvis Presley, Marty Robbins, and Lyle Lovett & his Large Band to name a few. She was an excellent photographer, and she rode her motorcycle for many years until her husband strongly suggested she hang it up. Shari had the travel bug; moving houses every couple years, she also loved to see new places by train or driving herself.

At home, Shari had a creative soul, spending hours happily piecing together puzzles, solving crosswords, watching Wheel of Fortune, and sewing beautiful, intricate quilts that she loved gifting to her friends and family. Though the kitchen wasn’t where she spent her time, her hands were always busy creating beauty and her heart was always full of love.

Shari treasured the company of many dear friends who brought laughter and love into her life, like Linda, Maggie, Nancy, Jeanine, Gilda, Sylvia, Dena, Marlys, and Annalee to name a few. She was best friends with Pam Leni for over 50 years, and made many trips cross country to visit her.

Her faith was the foundation of Shari’s life. She loved the Lord deeply and spread the good news everywhere she went. She was a faithful member of her churches over the years, most recently Northminster Presbyterian Church. She found joy in fellowship and serving others, donating annually to Gospel Rescue Mission. She was always more generous with others than with herself. Shari trusted in God’s plan, and found peace in His promises.

Shari was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore “Ted” and Dolores “Dodo” (Keedy) Robbins, her sister, Carolyn “Cari” Hayden; Marvin “Papa Marvin” Heemsbergen, his brothers, sisters, and extended family members; Mike “Papa Mike” O’Neal, and their fluffy doggie, Dakota. Shari is survived by her two boys, Heath and Mikal (Hollee); her grandbabies, Sophia, Alexa, Tia, Cassey, and Carlee; her great-grandbabies, Briar, Ella, Elena, and Eliana; Aunt Coralee, cousin Dena, and extended Keedy Family; extended members of the Heemsbergen Family; the O’Neal Family; the Hayden Family, Jim, Evan (Miwa), Jake (Heather), and their children; as well as many friends and extended family; who will all continue to cherish the love and lessons their Shay-Shay shared.

Funeral services for Sharon Raye Heemsbergen will take place on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at 11:00 am at East Lawn Palms Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona. The family invites all who knew and loved her to also gather for a reception following the service. She will be laid to rest in her favorite town of Hollandale, Minnesota.

“Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23