Sharon Rose Gatto
February 2nd, 1946 - May 3rd, 2025
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Sharon's Obituary
Sharon Rose (Gunderson) Gatto passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025 in Holland, Michigan, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 2, 1946 to Florence Lillianne (Iden) Gunderson and Leslie Stephen Gunderson.
Sharon shared a devoted marriage with her beloved husband, Theodore (Ted) Charles Gatto, for 59 blessed years. Their journey began with a chance meeting at a roller-skating rink when Sharon asked a mutual friend, "Hey Norm, who's your friend?" and blossomed into a life filled with love and faith. They were married on December 18, 1965.
Together they raised two children: daughter Leslie Sue (Kuczek) and son Todd Charles Gatto. Sharon also warmly welcomed her son-in-law, Thomas Kuczek and daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Roehrig) Gatto, into the family.
Sharon's greatest joy was her role as grandmother to Joseph Thomas Kuczek (fiancée Lauren Verdera), Alexander Charles Kuczek, Nicholas Evan Kuczek, Grace Leigh Gatto, Olivia Charlotte Gatto and David Allan Gatto. The legacy of faith she gave to her grandchildren surrounded her in the last days of her life, reinforcing the faith she gave them. Her faith is her legacy that lives on in each of her grandchildren.
For over thirty years, Sharon lovingly ran a home daycare, where she became affectionately known as "Auntie Sharie" to the many children she nurtured, as well as a devoted mentor to the parents she served. Her kind and steady presence left a lasting impact on countless young lives.
She was also an active member of the Silver Lake Association, where she is fondly remembered as “the meticulous guardian of all lake records.” Her dedication culminated in the creation and publication of "The Silver Lake Scrapbook," preserving the stories of the community she cherished. She also kept Ted in line during association annual meetings.
Sharon was welcomed into glory by her parents and brothers: Robert and David Gunderson.
A woman of deep compassion and unwavering faith, Sharon lived each day with grace and spiritual strength. A devoted member of the First Congregational Church for over 20 years, she is remembered as a matriarch within the congregation. Her service to the church consisted of Clerk, member of the Ladies Guild, and leader of bible studies. She also served during the Spaghetti Dinner fundraisers, and volunteered with Senior Services of Van Buren County and We Care. Her steadfast devotion to God served as an inspiration to all who knew her.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Grand Junction, 54128 County Rd. 388.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31: 25 – 31)
Donations to honor Sharon may be made to Senior Services of Van Buren County, We Care or First Congregational Church of Grand Junction. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Sharon shared a devoted marriage with her beloved husband, Theodore (Ted) Charles Gatto, for 59 blessed years. Their journey began with a chance meeting at a roller-skating rink when Sharon asked a mutual friend, "Hey Norm, who's your friend?" and blossomed into a life filled with love and faith. They were married on December 18, 1965.
Together they raised two children: daughter Leslie Sue (Kuczek) and son Todd Charles Gatto. Sharon also warmly welcomed her son-in-law, Thomas Kuczek and daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Roehrig) Gatto, into the family.
Sharon's greatest joy was her role as grandmother to Joseph Thomas Kuczek (fiancée Lauren Verdera), Alexander Charles Kuczek, Nicholas Evan Kuczek, Grace Leigh Gatto, Olivia Charlotte Gatto and David Allan Gatto. The legacy of faith she gave to her grandchildren surrounded her in the last days of her life, reinforcing the faith she gave them. Her faith is her legacy that lives on in each of her grandchildren.
For over thirty years, Sharon lovingly ran a home daycare, where she became affectionately known as "Auntie Sharie" to the many children she nurtured, as well as a devoted mentor to the parents she served. Her kind and steady presence left a lasting impact on countless young lives.
She was also an active member of the Silver Lake Association, where she is fondly remembered as “the meticulous guardian of all lake records.” Her dedication culminated in the creation and publication of "The Silver Lake Scrapbook," preserving the stories of the community she cherished. She also kept Ted in line during association annual meetings.
Sharon was welcomed into glory by her parents and brothers: Robert and David Gunderson.
A woman of deep compassion and unwavering faith, Sharon lived each day with grace and spiritual strength. A devoted member of the First Congregational Church for over 20 years, she is remembered as a matriarch within the congregation. Her service to the church consisted of Clerk, member of the Ladies Guild, and leader of bible studies. She also served during the Spaghetti Dinner fundraisers, and volunteered with Senior Services of Van Buren County and We Care. Her steadfast devotion to God served as an inspiration to all who knew her.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Grand Junction, 54128 County Rd. 388.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31: 25 – 31)
Donations to honor Sharon may be made to Senior Services of Van Buren County, We Care or First Congregational Church of Grand Junction. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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