Time For Memory

Sharon A. Garfield

1952 - 2011

Sharon Ann Garfield went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 16, 2011 after a courageous battle against leukemia. She was born in Lansing, MI on December 1, 1952 to Marie and Lawrence McKenna and graduated from Sexton High School in 1971. She retired from Vertis Communications in March of 2010 after 20 years of service and became the Children's Ministry Director at Central Montcalm Community Church. Sharon shared 40 wonderful years with her husband and best friend, Mike. She was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her family, her passion was her church family and especially the children in it. Mrs. Garfield is survived by her loving husband, Mike; her children and their spouses, Dameon and Gabriela Garfield, Heather and Cameron O'Neill, and Shayna and Rick Budres; her grandchildren, Aaron, Rylee, McKenna, Mintesinot, Wendwessen, Aidan, Laila, and a baby on the way; and her sister, Shawn Montague. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, with graveside services to follow at Saranac Cemetery. Pastor Wayne Otto will serve as officiant. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Central Montcalm Community Church Children's Ministry.

There are currently 56 condolences.

Travis Simmons Sunday August 28, 2011 at 9:16 PM
Mike/Dameon/Heather/Shayna: My heart goes out to you all, for having spent many days and nights in your home growing up, I have the fondest memories and deepest admiration for Sharon. I think anyone who knew Sharon, was touched by her warmth, her sincerity, and her kindness. She had a way of making friends feel as welcome as family with her big heart and beautiful smile. In the words of another, Sharon's "soul is soaring in the Firmament of complete and unbound freedom" and the heavens are fortunate to have such a special spirit. We all will miss her deeply, but were blessed to have had her touch our lives.

Benjamin Smith Sunday August 28, 2011 at 1:06 PM
Mike and family. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sharon. At the same time I am conforted knowing that Sharon's days of pain and discomfort are no more. I've known Sharon since I was a little kid some 40 plus years ago, and there are two words that always came to mind whenever I happened to think of her. Beauty and grace. I was always struck by how beautiful she was and how well she handled herself. A great role model for anyone raising children. I still think of Ontario California, where I spent some wonderfull moments with Mike and Sharon that I will remember to the end of my days. Mike, you know how much I love you guys and I wish for true happiness for you and your family. God be with you Sharon. You were one of a kind.

Bev Padilla Tuesday August 16, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Mike and Family, I don't have to tell you what a great lady Sharon was. You all know that. The wonderful memories we had together, is something I will hold dear to my heart, always. To you I pray for your healing and to find happiness in your hearts again. I'm sure with gods help it will come in time . Your friend always Love, Bev

Michael Lecours Friday August 5, 2011 at 5:13 PM
Sharon, you are the most courageous person I have ever known and thankful that I had the opportunity to have you in my life. You have helped me in so many different ways that I will never be able to thank you enough for, other than to pay it forward. I can only hope that I can help someone as much as you have helped me and others. You will be missed and always be in my prayers.

Bob & Kris VanSyckle Friday August 5, 2011 at 8:49 AM
Sharon was not only my friend but also my sister in Christ. We have prayed for and with one another for twenty plus years. As crushed as we are for you Mike, Dameon, Heather, and Shayna and your beautiful families, we are smiling at the thought of Sharon being welcomed into her great eternal reward. I can only imagine that beautiful smile as she hears her Lord say: "well done my good and faithful servant". She will be sadly missed by many, so we must all draw on our memories and keep her warm smiling spirit alive and with us here as well.

Belinda Lutzke Thursday August 4, 2011 at 8:15 PM
Sharon was sometimes my conscience, sometimes my sounding board, sometimes my "priest", sometimes my singing partner (espcially Music Man songs!), sometimes my spiritual leader. But she was ALWAYS my friend. I will miss her until we meet again.

Bob & Bev Simmons Thursday August 4, 2011 at 6:24 PM
Mike & family: We share in your loss. Not only was Sharon a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister, she was a very special lady to all that knew her and a great friend to me. Sharon was one of those special people that everyone liked and respected. She was positive and upbeat, always smiling and fun to be with. Sharon was such an inspiration and lived her faith in good times and hard. We could only wish to emulate her strong faith. I have so many good memories of Sharon. She was wonderful to work with and a great friend at work and play. We left work early many times to watch Dameon and Travis play soccer. We shared in the joys and worries of our kids and grandkids. Sharon helped me stay strong and positive when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was humbling then, and even more so now, knowing how valiantly she fought that disease not once, but twice. Sharon took me to Grand Rapids for my last radiation treatment so we could celebrate. I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that we went to the Olive Garden (one of my favorites too). We know Sharon is a special angel in Heaven and looking down and still nurturing and caring for all those she loved. May you find comfort in remembering all the special times and in knowing Sharon is at peace and will live on thru her children and grandchildren. Sharon will always have a very special place in my heart.

(Bob) Sharon (Sissy) Fisher & family Wednesday August 3, 2011 at 10:08 AM
My Dear Brother and children, and of course grand children, This is such a hard time for all of you, I can't even begin to tell you how very sorry I am for all of you. This is something we can't change as much as we would like to. When you loose your partner it's so much harder than anyone can imagine. Sharon gave it her all and tried so hard to make it through this. She is a very strong woman.I do know that you need to go at this with love in your heart, you will be together again. You also need to do what makes you happy and not worry what others are thinking. I learned that when Mary died. I never thought about how Sharon grew up, because I didn't know her then. I didn't know she graduated from Sexton in 1971. That's because I graduated in 1963, we were world's apart, but she went to My School. We just missed each other. We also have the same name, how crazy is that. My brother married a Sharon!! I remember meeting Sharon for the first time, we lived on Mary Ave. Then going to camp in your back yard in Greenville. Going to Potterville Gizzard fest, they still have them. Those were fun times. Then Mike, Sharon and family were there when we needed them when my 12 yr. old daughter died. It meant so much to us having you all there. Now I want to thank Sharon for sticking with my brother in the years that were hard, it's easy when things go right but she did stuck it out in both. I know she is in heaven watching over all of you thinking (Mike you know that's not how it's done). That's how you will get through the tough days knowing she is with you and in your heart's. Sharon was a special person and will be missed and remembered always. Love (Bob) Sissy and family

Wednesday August 3, 2011 at 9:38 AM


Kathy & Joe Garfield Wednesday August 3, 2011 at 1:05 AM
Dear Mike, Nieces & Nephew, Our heart is sadden to hear of Sharon's passing.....She fought the fight! Mike you and Sharon were both very close to us out here in So.California,in the seventies. Days of Long Hair and Carefree attitudes. Great memories and stories! We had a lot of fun spending time with you two. Mike, I remember that you both couldn't wait to introduce your little brother(Joe)to me and I'm truly thankful for that. I also remember that Sharon really enjoyed listening to Elton John. I heard a song just recently by him called "Angel" and I thought of Sharon. Mike she was your Angel...I know that she is up in Heaven dancing the Crocodile Rock! She will be truly missed by everyone that knew her! God Bless you all in this difficult time. Love, Joe, Kathy, Jonas, Noah and Kids

Paula Hurst Monday July 25, 2011 at 2:16 PM
Dear Mike and family, Please accept Jim's and my condolences. Sharon and I raised our babies together. She was kind, intelligent, and had a wonderful way of giving mothering advice and making new moms feel competent at the same time. That was a gift! Forever I will remember her as the lady with the smile that lit up the room.

Michele Moline Albright Thursday July 21, 2011 at 6:49 PM
Dear Mike and family, You're in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your memories and each other. I wish I was closer, but I close in thoughts. God bless all of you as you work through this difficult time. Love, the Albright family

Bob Lehman Thursday July 21, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Mike, So sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. Although it's been, what? 30 years since I've seen you, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and drop me a note anytime. Bob

Sara (Vargas) Taber Thursday July 21, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Mike so sorry to hear of your loss, I don't know if you remember me, but i dated your brother Joe who i met throu Rudy & Debbie Pulido)& Marte Lynn)... You & your family r in my thoughts & prayers.. God bless you & all your family Sara (Vargas) Taber

Marc Durbin Wednesday July 20, 2011 at 9:24 AM
Mike, Hello old friend. It's been so long. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sharon, you and your family are in my prayers. : )

Lori Gardner Wednesday July 20, 2011 at 8:38 AM
Sharon has always touched my heart. She was one of the best women I have ever known. Deepest sympathy to the family and prayers are with you all.

Rick and Mary Seely Wednesday July 20, 2011 at 7:41 AM
Mike,God has certainly blessed us all for having known Sharon. For every life she touched, a blessing was shared. We will miss her wonderful warm smile and cheerful heart. Our prayers are with you Mike and with your entire family . . .God Bless

Tammy Cole Wightman Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 10:38 PM
My Dear Sweet Sharon, You are home, God has said well done my child. What an amazing women you are and how blessed so many of us are to have known you and your warm loving ways and that amazing smile. You are at peace now and once again reunited with your mother and so many that have gone before you. Give my sweet Aunt Gini a kiss. Dear Mike, Shawn, Dameon, Heather, Shayna and families ~ may your beautiful memories comfort you and may God hold and comfort you! May you rejoice in the blessing of knowing one of God's angels ~ She was truly a very very special lady. Love, hugs and prayers to all.

Jeffrey Thrasher Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 8:45 PM
I met Sharon only a few months ago at CMCC. I will always remember her bright cheery smile! My thoughts and prayers are with her family. God bless...

Zac and Kara Moline Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 7:37 PM
Mike,Our prayers go to you and your family in your time of loss. Sharon was an amazing woman and we will miss her dearly! Her memories will be with us forever. God Bless...

Gerald and Mary Ellen Tovatt Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 4:41 PM
Mike, Heather, Dameon, Shayna, and family; All our thoughts are with you. I will greatly miss her beautiful smile and the love she radiated to all.

Rebecca Touzel Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Sharon was a wonderful woman and an encouragement as a colleague in Children's Ministry. We will all miss her!

Sheryl Lewis Slewis2100@aol.com Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 3:16 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. I have tons of fond memories throughout our years as cousins. She is a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. I wish I could be there for all of you, especially you, Mike. I know you all adored her and God is the lucky one. She will be missed. I love you all, Sheryl

Debora Breimayer Johnson Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 3:09 PM
My condolences Heather to you and your family. I hope in time you will find comfort knowing mom is in a much better place. I will be praying for all of you. God Bless...

Steve & Linda Foote Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 3:04 PM
Mike, Heather, Shayna, Dameon and Grandchildren. The world has lost a wonderful women, but God has brought home a special angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

sandy davis dell Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 2:23 PM
I am so sorry to hear of you're great loss. Sharon was a beautiful person, and I have only fond memories of her. I will keep you and you're family in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you .

Cathi Gregg Wojtanek Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM
My sincerest condolences to Sharon's family. I knew Sharon all through school, from Holy Cross through Sexton - our backyards touched. I always considered her a friend, even though we lost touch. I remember her as a bright and shining spirit and that is how I will always think of her. Sincerely, Cathi Gregg

Kirby Egolf Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Dear Mike and family.. my sincere condolences to you all on your loss. My prayers are with your family at this time of grief. Mike, having worked with you for almost 15 years, I know there were always several topics you were so proud to talk about, your children, your grandchildren, and always Sharon. Find comfort that she now is in a better place... Godbless....

Jeff Baker Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Dear Mike & Family: I was shocked to hear the passing of Sharon. She was one the the nicest people a person could ever meet. Please accept my heartfelt condolence. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Julie Gloden (Navin) Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Dear Mike & family - Although it has been many, many years I have great memories Sharon. My most heartfelt sympathy to you at this very sad time. May your memories of your life together comfort you today and in the days to come

Patty (Albert) Tishuk Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 6:32 AM
Dear Mike, Shawn, Dameon, Heather,Shayna and family. I sit here with tears in my eyes over the loss of Sharon. She was the best friend a girl could ever have had back in school. I love her and will miss her forever. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and heart go out to all of you. Sharon is an angel in heaven now with her Mom and Dad. She will always live on in my heart.

Heidi Stine hlstine@cox.net Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 2:04 AM
Dear Mike, family and Shawn, Sharon was a life long friend and the family is deeply saddened by her passage. I will always remember her wonderful smile. Please tell Shawn we love her and we are here for her. Love to all of you, Heidi Stine

Chris Stander chriss@montcalm.edu Monday July 18, 2011 at 11:27 PM
So very sorry for your loss. Sharon was a wonderful lady and an awesome sister in Christ. She will be greatly missed by many. I feel fortunate to have known her even for a short time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Willaim Jeffers Monday July 18, 2011 at 9:59 PM
I did not know Sharon that well,but what i knew of her she was a very nice lady,i send my prays and sampathy to her family,may GOD be with them during this time.

Marion and Judy Rus Monday July 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM
Sharon will be greatly missed by the whole family. Our prayers are with you.

Karen McDonald Monday July 18, 2011 at 9:45 PM
Dear Garfield Family, I just had to send a note when I learned of Sharon's passing in the Daily News. I was saddened by the news. I first met Sharon when I worked as a nurse for Dr. Tovatt many years ago. Since meeting Sharon years ago she had never changed. No matter how long it was since the last time I saw her she always had a smile and some kind words. What a sweet lady. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care.

Julie Jeffries Monday July 18, 2011 at 9:36 PM
WOW!!! Mike, Patty called me with this sad news. I have so many great memories of the past with Sharon. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Julie

Bill and Marilynn Switzer Monday July 18, 2011 at 7:51 PM
Mike and family, our prayers are with you. Sharon touched our lives in many ways and Gabe simply adored her. She answered the Lord's call spreading His message to so many. I am a better person for knowing Sharon and will truly miss her.

Monday July 18, 2011 at 7:19 PM


Jim & Dawn Williams Monday July 18, 2011 at 7:02 PM
Our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers to the family.

Craig and Laurie Shaffere Monday July 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Mike, Heather and the rest of your family....we are so broken hearted about your wife and mother. The look on her face with the twinkle in her eyes when the children's Christmas program all came together will be forever etched in my memory. So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers, Craig, Laurie and family.

Gina and Larry Otto Monday July 18, 2011 at 6:42 PM
Dear Mike, We are so sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. Our prayer's have been with her and you. We will continue to pray for your family. God Bless and keep you.

Diane Augsbury Peeper Monday July 18, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Mike I was so sorry to hear about your loss from Bev. I know it is very hard to understand why. Iam going to try and come with Bev and Eli to her funeral. My prayers are with u.

Barb & Kirk Perry Monday July 18, 2011 at 5:05 PM
Dear Entire Garfield Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss! We will be with my father during his surgery on Wednesday, and helping care for my mother, so I'm so sorry we won't be able to see all of you. Our love and prayers for all of you.

Harry & Suzie Todd Monday July 18, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Mike and Family, We are terribly saddened by your loss. Sharon has always been strong and beautiful person. We will miss her greatly. God be with you. Love, Harry & Suzie

Tami Miller Monday July 18, 2011 at 3:02 PM
Mike you and your family will be in my prayers. Sharon was a wonderful and kind woman, I will miss her, and her beautiful smile.

Mike & Mary Ane Krum Monday July 18, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Mike, Shawn & families....SOOOO sorry for your loss. Sharon was such a calming & wonderful person. I enjoyed bumping into her at the stores & catching up!! Always keep your precious memories alive!! Our prayers to you.

Karen Sines Monday July 18, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Sharon was such a wonderful friend. She was always there to listen & comfort me after my husband passed away a few months ago. God has another wonderful angel! I will miss her. Mike, you & your family are in my prayers.

Mary Rausch Monday July 18, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Mike, So sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. After 40 years, it must be an unbelievable loss. I will keep you in my heart and hope life with your family relieves some of the pain. Mary.

Jeff Wilcox Monday July 18, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I am so so sorry to hear of your great loss. Sharon always had a smile and a great attitude about her. I know she will be missed greatly and our prayers go out to all the family.

Cheryl Castello Monday July 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Dameon, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Please accept my sincere condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you Celebrate her Life. Cheryl

Jessica Pellett Monday July 18, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Thinking of the whole family with thoughts and prayers. God took one of his most loved Angels and she will be missed deeply.

Sheri Blake Monday July 18, 2011 at 10:24 AM
My condolences to Sharon's family. I've worked at Vertis for 24 years so I've know Sharon what seems like forever :) Sharon had a heart of gold. I remember her kind words, and prayers after I lost my 13 year old daughter. How she gave me a Third Day CD that had a song on it that just hit home for me. She will be loved and missed by so many. Love and prayers for you all!!!

Jennifer & Jeff Wilcox Monday July 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time. I remember Sharon with that great smile and loving hug she always greeted us with. A special women indeed.

Karl and Sue Frederiksen Monday July 18, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Mike and family....Our thoughts are with you. Sharon was such a wonderful person! SUCH fond memories of our time together - soccer, proms, etc. She will be missed.

Kaci VandenToorn Monday July 18, 2011 at 10:09 AM
My heart goes out to the Garfield family. I was a close friend to Sharons daughter Shayna and I just think that Sharon was such amazing and strong woman. So sorry to hear about your loss. Love you.

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