Sharon Marie Alsbro
June 27th, 1939 - March 28th, 2026
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Sharon's Obituary
Sharon Alsbro, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Woodland Terrace of Paw Paw Lake, Coloma, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, quiet strength, and the beauty of a life fully lived. Born in 1939 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sharon built a life centered around family, faith, and the simple yet profound moments that turn a house into a home. She was loving, deeply devoted to her family, and a true American patriot. She will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Sharon is survived by her brother, Harry Gildea; her daughter, Lynn (Mark) Snedden; and her sons, Steve and Alan (Leah) Alsbro. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Bridget (John) Mangold, Tyler Snedden, Kevin (Elaine) Alsbro, Austin (Emaly) Snedden, Colin, Mary, Mitchell, and Jacklyn; as well as her great-grandchildren, Johnnie, Stevie, Bobby, Sophie, and Marilyn. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty; her father, Harry; her sister, Burline; and her husband, Don.
For more than 60 years, Sharon and Don created not just a family, but a foundation—one that grew across generations. Their home in Southwest Michigan became a gathering place filled with laughter, traditions, and the steady rhythm of everyday life: summer barbecues, children running through the yard, playing the piano, and singing, all with the familiar comfort of family always close by.
Sharon loved to travel and explore from a young age. She lived in Germany while Don was stationed there, later arranging and leading more than 25 wellness cruises. She and Don enjoyed driving from Michigan to Florida and Arizona, embracing each journey together. After visiting Austria as a young mother, she developed a lifelong love for The Sound of Music and carried forward her passion for travel by sharing her experiences and lessons with her students and grandchildren.
She was the proud mother of Lynn, Steve, and Alan, and a cherished grandmother. In later years, she was blessed with five great-grandchildren, each bringing new light and joy into her life. To them, she was “GG”—a constant presence, whether seated in her recliner with a dachshund in her lap or watching over the joyful energy of a full house.
As a middle school teacher in Bridgman, Sharon was beloved by her students and colleagues alike. Over 20 years of teaching, she brought guidance, encouragement, and meaningful life lessons to countless young people. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Michigan University and, while raising three children, managing a 55-acre horse farm, and teaching full time, continued her education at Michigan State University, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching with a major in Language Arts and minors in Sociology and Psychology.
After retiring, Sharon continued to give back by sharing her knowledge and skills in teaching and bookkeeping with various charitable organizations. She served as a board member and volunteer Director of Finance at Lighthouse Ministries of Benton Harbor and held several committee roles at Stevensville United Methodist Church, where she was an active member for more than 30 years and found great joy singing in the choir.
She played an integral role in her family’s many endeavors - from supporting their horse farm and 4-H activities to ghostwriting and editing one of Don’s many books, and nurturing traditions that spanned decades. Holidays were especially dear to her heart, particularly Christmases filled with family traditions inspired by her father, who delighted in decorating and dressing as Santa to pass out gifts. Sharon lived a life defined not by excess, but by laughter, togetherness, resilience, and a love that was truly priceless.
Her life was rich in the small, meaningful details that defined her days: hummingbirds outside her window, creating annual calendars with handwritten updates for loved ones, the sound of tennis matches and Jeopardy! in the background, and the quiet satisfaction of a home well lived in. From hidden candies and extra chairs pulled out for guests to the well-worn paths of a busy household, she created a space where everyone belonged.
Though much of her life was lived without fanfare, Sharon carried both dreams and sacrifices quietly, offering strength, care, and unwavering support to those around her. Her love extended beyond her family to her community and church, where she welcomed others with warmth and openness and spent many years supporting underprivileged children in learning to read, write, and embrace life.
A poem written by her grandson beautifully captures the essence of Sharon’s life:
What a beautiful life, to have lived
in a house that became a home.
A family, grown
who swings by to say hello.
What a beautiful life, to have lived
hidden—yet full.
Hidden love… did I say it enough,
Grandma? That I love you.
Sharon’s life reminds us that greatness is often found not in grand gestures, but in consistency—in showing up, caring deeply, and loving fully. She leaves behind a family that spans four generations, each one shaped by her presence, her values, and her enduring love. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished.
Sharon will eternally join her father, mother, and husband with an interment ceremony at 12pm, Friday, June 5, 2026 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, leaving from Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., Saint Joseph at 10am. A celebration of life will follow at 5pm on Par-Te-Tyme Cruise Lines & Tours, 220 Anchors Way, St Joseph - a beautiful sunset guaranteed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were suggested to the Berrien Community Foundation www.berriencommunity.org/OurFunds and donate to several of their BCF educational or scholar charities.
Sharon is survived by her brother, Harry Gildea; her daughter, Lynn (Mark) Snedden; and her sons, Steve and Alan (Leah) Alsbro. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Bridget (John) Mangold, Tyler Snedden, Kevin (Elaine) Alsbro, Austin (Emaly) Snedden, Colin, Mary, Mitchell, and Jacklyn; as well as her great-grandchildren, Johnnie, Stevie, Bobby, Sophie, and Marilyn. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty; her father, Harry; her sister, Burline; and her husband, Don.
For more than 60 years, Sharon and Don created not just a family, but a foundation—one that grew across generations. Their home in Southwest Michigan became a gathering place filled with laughter, traditions, and the steady rhythm of everyday life: summer barbecues, children running through the yard, playing the piano, and singing, all with the familiar comfort of family always close by.
Sharon loved to travel and explore from a young age. She lived in Germany while Don was stationed there, later arranging and leading more than 25 wellness cruises. She and Don enjoyed driving from Michigan to Florida and Arizona, embracing each journey together. After visiting Austria as a young mother, she developed a lifelong love for The Sound of Music and carried forward her passion for travel by sharing her experiences and lessons with her students and grandchildren.
She was the proud mother of Lynn, Steve, and Alan, and a cherished grandmother. In later years, she was blessed with five great-grandchildren, each bringing new light and joy into her life. To them, she was “GG”—a constant presence, whether seated in her recliner with a dachshund in her lap or watching over the joyful energy of a full house.
As a middle school teacher in Bridgman, Sharon was beloved by her students and colleagues alike. Over 20 years of teaching, she brought guidance, encouragement, and meaningful life lessons to countless young people. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Michigan University and, while raising three children, managing a 55-acre horse farm, and teaching full time, continued her education at Michigan State University, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching with a major in Language Arts and minors in Sociology and Psychology.
After retiring, Sharon continued to give back by sharing her knowledge and skills in teaching and bookkeeping with various charitable organizations. She served as a board member and volunteer Director of Finance at Lighthouse Ministries of Benton Harbor and held several committee roles at Stevensville United Methodist Church, where she was an active member for more than 30 years and found great joy singing in the choir.
She played an integral role in her family’s many endeavors - from supporting their horse farm and 4-H activities to ghostwriting and editing one of Don’s many books, and nurturing traditions that spanned decades. Holidays were especially dear to her heart, particularly Christmases filled with family traditions inspired by her father, who delighted in decorating and dressing as Santa to pass out gifts. Sharon lived a life defined not by excess, but by laughter, togetherness, resilience, and a love that was truly priceless.
Her life was rich in the small, meaningful details that defined her days: hummingbirds outside her window, creating annual calendars with handwritten updates for loved ones, the sound of tennis matches and Jeopardy! in the background, and the quiet satisfaction of a home well lived in. From hidden candies and extra chairs pulled out for guests to the well-worn paths of a busy household, she created a space where everyone belonged.
Though much of her life was lived without fanfare, Sharon carried both dreams and sacrifices quietly, offering strength, care, and unwavering support to those around her. Her love extended beyond her family to her community and church, where she welcomed others with warmth and openness and spent many years supporting underprivileged children in learning to read, write, and embrace life.
A poem written by her grandson beautifully captures the essence of Sharon’s life:
What a beautiful life, to have lived
in a house that became a home.
A family, grown
who swings by to say hello.
What a beautiful life, to have lived
hidden—yet full.
Hidden love… did I say it enough,
Grandma? That I love you.
Sharon’s life reminds us that greatness is often found not in grand gestures, but in consistency—in showing up, caring deeply, and loving fully. She leaves behind a family that spans four generations, each one shaped by her presence, her values, and her enduring love. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished.
Sharon will eternally join her father, mother, and husband with an interment ceremony at 12pm, Friday, June 5, 2026 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, leaving from Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., Saint Joseph at 10am. A celebration of life will follow at 5pm on Par-Te-Tyme Cruise Lines & Tours, 220 Anchors Way, St Joseph - a beautiful sunset guaranteed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were suggested to the Berrien Community Foundation www.berriencommunity.org/OurFunds and donate to several of their BCF educational or scholar charities.
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