Sharon Kwasniewski passed away on November 19, 2021 in Batavia, Illinois from Alzheimer's.  She was born on May 24, 1939 in Superior, Wisconsin to Elizabeth and John Furrie.  Sharon was the oldest of seven children and enjoyed ice skating, playing her Viola and spending time with her beloved grandfather Jens Lang.

The family moved to Northlake, Illinois in Sharon's senior year of High School.  This move proved to be quite fortuitous as it was in Northlake where Sharon met the man who would become her husband on June 13, 1959.  Sharon Furrie was a soda jerk at a drugstore and Rich Kwasniewski worked at the gas station across the street.  A meeting that was right out of a 1950's movie!

Sharon was a stay at home Mom for many years to her two children, Karen and David.  She held part time jobs as a keypunch operator for an appliance store and the Ford Motor Company.  In the mid 70's, Sharon became a yoga and meditation instructor.  She ultimately opened her own yoga and meditation studio, which she operated for a few years.  Sharon continued to practice yoga well into her 70's.

As her children grew, Sharon began working full-time for the Ford Motor Company in a variety of roles.  At her retirement, she was an Administrator for Lincoln-Mercury Dealer Development.

After retirement, Sharon and Rich became avid travelers.  They visited 22 countries including Spain, Australia, New Zealand, France and London.  They traveled within the United States as well, visiting many National Parks and other areas of our beautiful Country.  During those times when she wasn't travelling, Sharon created beautiful quilts and knitted garments, most of which she gave to friends and family.

Of Sharon's many talents, her most endearing was her ability to immediately connect with people.  You could never be in a rush when out in public with Sharon as there was something which drew strangers to her.  Whether it was in a grocery store or out walking in a park, people would come up to Sharon and by the time they were done talking to her she would know their life story and all that was laying heavy on their hearts.  She had a true spirit of caring and compassion that flowed to all of those around her.

Even as Alzheimer's stole her away, piece by piece, she continued to bring joy to the staff and residents at the Holmstad's Assisted Living/Memory Care facility with her singing, dancing and cheerful disposition.   She will be dearly missed by many.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and one brother.  She is survived by her two children, her son-in-law, two step-grandchildren, their spouses and children and her brother and sister.

A memorial visitation will be held at Hultgren's Funeral Home, 304 N. Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois on Saturday, December 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tribute donation to the Alzheimer's Association .