KATHLEEN SHARKEY

Kathleen “Kathy” Sharkey, age 70 of Wild Rose, passed away late Friday, November 5, 2021. She was born April 18, 1951 in the small town of Leona, WI, to the late Richard and Dora Sullivan. She married Scott Sharkey in 1969. After graduating from Prospect (IL) High School, she attended Western Illinois University where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. She began her career as a math teacher at Haven Intermediate School in Evanston, IL, where she taught for several years. While teaching at Haven, she made friendships that would last a lifetime.

A devoted mother, Kathy paused her career as a teacher to raise three children, Mike, Liz and Tom. The love she had for her family shadowed anything else, and she did her best to be present at every game, concert or competition. After surviving both brain and lung cancer in the mid-90s, Kathy later suffered from Binswanger's dementia. Binswanger's dementia is a progressive disease that over time impacted Kathy greatly, making it difficult for her to enjoy some of her favorite activities like running, sewing, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Through it all, Kathy made the most of her life, and was sure to be nice to everyone she met. She was a true sweetheart.

Kathy and Scott had a love of traveling, having seen the entire country and visiting Europe several times. Together they spent many winters in their RV in Florida. She also cherished time with family and friends camping at Star Lake.

Kathy was a proud member of the choir at St. Margaret Mary's Parish in Neenah. She loved listening to classical music, and was fond of attending concerts held at the Ravinia Festival Park in Chicago.

Kathy is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Scott; and by her children: Mike (Jackie) Sharkey; Liz Sharkey; and Tom (Anne) Sharkey; as well as by her grandchildren: Ethan, Grace, Ella, and Meredith. She is further survived by her siblings: Pat (Tom) Clayton; Rick (Leslie) Sullivan; Jim (Janet) Sullivan; Janet (George) Cunningham; and John (Kathy) Sullivan; and by her sister-in-law, Pat (Jack Markowski) Sharkey, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Rick Sharkey; and by her father and mother-in-law, Dale and Fern Sharkey.

A memorial service for Kathy will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 12, 2021, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division St., Neenah, with Fr. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service.