Pauline E. Sharp

Pauline E. Sharp, 90 of Harrison passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Gladwin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Gladwin. Pauline was born June 8, 1931 in Jefferson City, Missouri the daughter of Benjamin J. Oidtman and Catherine A. (Hartman) Oidtman. Pauline graduated in 1948 from St. Peter’s High School, Jefferson City, Missouri. On May 12, 1951 in Jefferson City, Pauline was united in marriage to Mr. Orley Ray Sharp.

 Mrs. Sharp had resided in Harrison since 1973, moving from Jefferson City. She was a very devoted member of St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Harrison. Pauline and Orley owned and operated Sharp’s Market of Harrison for over 20 years in addition to Sharp’s U-Pick Strawberries in the late 70’s.  

 Pauline had a beautiful soul and blessed many in her life with her gifts and personality. During her lifetime, Pauline discovered her talent for art ~ she painted pottery, canvases, and clothing.  She loved to bake and was an excellent cook, which she was generous to share with those willing to learn.  She was an active member of the Anna J. Guild at St. Athanasius and loved working on projects with her fellow committee ladies.  She loved to travel and made countless trips to Missouri and Alaska to visit family.  She was an avid card player and this was one of the highlights of her trips to Missouri ~ to be able to reconnect with those who still play weekly and enjoy some family time, and even co-hosted weekly parties at her home here in Michigan. Pauline loved to garden and was proud of her beautiful flower beds at her home. She also loved to bowl and there was a ‘Sharp’s Market’ bowling team for several years.

 Her pride and joy above all these things was her family.  She loved seeing her kids and grandkids, and spending time with them whenever she could. She was a devoted mother, grandma, great-grandma and even great-great-grandma.  Her maternal instincts shined through even in her final years at The Pines as she doted on and took care of the members of her ‘dining hall table’ as if they were her brood.  Her maternal love will be greatly missed.

 Surviving Mrs. Sharp is her husband of seventy years, Mr. Orley Ray Sharp of Harrison, her seven loving children: Patrick Sharp of Harrison, Dr. Greg Sharp and wife Michelle of Bellingham, Washington, Timothy Sharp and wife Suzanne of Anchorage, Alaska, Michael Sharp and wife Cindy of Harrison, Terry Sharp and wife Marnie of Hope, Michigan, Molly Willett and husband Scott of Midland, Michigan and Amy Gillespie and husband Tim of Harrison, twenty-five grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, two sisters: Lorine Hart and husband Tom of Columbia, Missouri and Sharon Kirkweg and husband Virgil of St. Thomas, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Anthony “Tony” Sharp and two sisters: Mary Hillen and Rita Alig.

 Visitation will take place Friday, July 9, 2021 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, 165 W. Oak St., Harrison. A Funeral Mass celebrating Pauline will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with a brief visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.  from St. Athanasius Catholic Church, 310 S. Broad Street, Harrison, with Rev. Father J. Marcel Portelli officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Athanasius Catholic Cemetery, Harrison. There will be a luncheon for all interested at the American Legion at 1267 M-61 in Harrison immediately after the funeral mass. Memorial gifts in memory of Mrs. Sharp may be considered to: Right to Life of Michigan, 2340 Porter Street SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49509. To share an online memory or condolence with Pauline’s family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com. Arrangements and care of Mrs. Sharp are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989)539-7810.