Obituary of a local pillar of our community – Sharon H Kennedy

Sharon H. Kennedy (Norton), 73, died unexpectedly on November 11, 2021 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Sharon was born on July 16, 1948 in Kennett, Missouri to Lola Belle and Blufford Shannon Norton. Sharon grew up on a farm in Southern Missouri with her five siblings. When Sharon was seven years old, her family moved to Benton Harbor, MI where her father was employed by a railway company. In her adult life, the sound of the railways would remind her of her father and bring comfort to her.

Sharon moved to Sault Ste. Marie, MI in 1969 where she settled in and became a pillar in the community. Sharon wore many hats during her time in Sault Ste. Marie. Disc jockey, a magician’s assistant, a night manager at Burger King where she learned how to soft shoe were among her early career highlights. Sharon began working for the Chippewa County Courthouse in the early 1980’s and later taught assessing for the State of Michigan. As the Register of Deeds, she dedicated countless hours of service to Chippewa County.

Sharon was a vibrant light, so full of love, life, as well as mischief and passion. She had a magical way of making everyone feel so loved and welcomed. She was absolutely selfless, a total spitfire and anyone in her presence would be smiling or laughing. Sharon was actively involved as a proud member of the Democratic Party, the League of Women Voters, Chippewa County Historical Society, and the Office of Emergency Services. As a lifelong health and fitness enthusiast, she participated in a variety of classes throughout her life – Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi and she was an accomplished belly dancer. As a dedicated yoga practitioner, Sharon was known for her signature full splits. Sharon loved animals and also had a green thumb which always produced the most beautiful flower garden every year.

Two of Sharon’s greatest gifts to this world were her daughters, Lola and Caroline, who are each uniquely talented and gifted in their own ways. Sharon was their biggest fan, so proud of both of her girls and her eyes would light up every time she spoke about them. For Sharon, motherhood was an absolute joy and blessing. She once said the first time she held her babies, she looked into their eyes and she knew her purpose in life.

Sharon will be greatly missed by her daughters Lola of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Caroline (Malcolm) of Detroit, MI, siblings Georgia (Thomas) VanMeter of Wabash, IN and Rinthy Cluff of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. She is also survived by her companion, Pierre Treter of DeTour, MI, and beloved friends Karen Fehner, Suzy Bissell, Marj and Chan Huff, Kathy Loup, Leslie Dobbertin and many loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents Lola Belle and Blufford Shannon Norton, and siblings Charles and Yvonne Norton, Ernest Norton, Gregory Norton, and soulmate Robert Wollaeger and special friend Norm MacKinnon.

The passing of such a wonderful soul is a reminder to all of us of how precious life is and how quickly it can change. The impact of her loss will be felt across the E.U.P. and beyond. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. The community is invited to share condolences and memories at https://www.inmemori.com/skennedy-u44wc?utm_content=invite&utm_source=link&ref=61915ec83ca5f50017cfd590&utm_medium=native. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter, Soo Theatre Project, and/or National Public Radio, Inc.
Sharon, your bright and beautiful legacy will live on among all who were privileged to know you. LLUU. Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

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