Sharon Jean Maurer

Sharon Jean Maurer of Hastings, passed away with family by her side on November 25, 2023 in Hastings, Michigan. Sharon was born March 30, 1939, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Frank D. and Rilla R. (Hanna) Moffat. Her early years were enjoyed in a home near Butterworth Hospital, the house and street later razed when I-96 was constructed. Her parents met at the hospital, where her mother worked in the cafeteria and her dad was an electrical engineer. Her mom would eventually open her own business, Hilltop Restaurant, a successful endeavor that required working long hours. Sharon's only sibling, AnnaMay, was a teenager by then, which left Sharon and her dad plenty of time together, with activities as varied as attending Grand Rapids Symphony concerts or heading outdoors to go hunting or fishing, she being more of an observer than a participant — just happy to be with her dad.

She also frequently visited him in his office at Butterworth. She remembers asking him about the ladies who wore white uniforms and the "funny hats," those being part of the mid-century uniform. He told her they were nurses, and that he hoped she would become a nurse one day. Likely he had already observed her caring nature and compassion.

Her daddy died when Sharon was 12 years old. She was devastated. To help fill the sad weeks and months that followed, Sharon spent much of her time at the home of Norman and Avonell Fry. They had been best friends of her parents, and their daughter, Glenda, likewise was Sharon's best friend. They took her in as part of their family.

Sharon began playing the cello while a student at Central High School, and had a lifelong love of music. She graduated from Central in 1957, and went on to study nursing at Grand Rapids Junior College. After crossing the graduation podium as a licensed practical nurse, Sharon looked Heavenward and whispered, "I did it, Daddy. I became a nurse just like you wanted."

A young Nashville man who'd badly injured his hand in a farming accident fell under her care  at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids. She and Tom Maurer kept in touch after his discharge, and his mother wouldn't let him forget the sweet, pretty nurse, who'd been so kind to his family. At the time of his accident, Tom had been unsure what to do with his life, but after meeting, and later dating, Sharon, he focused on finishing college and becoming a teacher. The two were married at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, July 30, 1960. Quiet, sweet city-girl Sharon was warmly welcomed into the large, gregarious and musical Maurer family.

She and Tom would have seven children, keeping her busy and bustling from morning to night. When the youngest started school, she returned to nursing, this time at Thornapple Manor, where she worked the next 42 years, mostly on the night shift. That meant getting her children off to school in the morning, sleeping during the day, then preparing dinner for nine, before heading back to work. The only thing she didn't do well, it turns out, was retire. It took three tries. But, still, she didn't slow down.

Her days were then filled with family visits, volunteering at her church, preparing for an upcoming holiday, or watching her grandchildren's sporting events, concerts and other activities. She enjoyed a bit of travel, many times to the U.P. and even two trips out West. She was an avid fan of the Hastings Saxons and MSU Spartans. She enjoyed crocheting and other crafts, liked to take her grandchildren out for a bit of shopping/spoiling and a trip to McDonalds. She also involved them when she "adopted" a family at Christmas time. She was very organized and would prepare for holidays by mailing out schedules and lists of who was to bring what, thus avoiding chaos and keeping everyone happy. Her lists were usually lopsided, with the bulk of the food being her responsibility.

Like her mother, she would feed thousands of people over the years. With her natural organization skills, desire to be of service, and a nature that made others want to help, Sharon coordinated and served funeral luncheons at St. Rose for more than 25 years, with a like-minded crew by her side. She kept detailed records and knew how much food to have prepared, based on the number of people expected. And always, she was quick to comfort family members and guests.

In an Aug. 23, 2012, Hastings Banner "Bright Light" feature, she was asked about the best advice she'd ever been given. "When I was a little girl, my mother would say, 'Sharon, be a good girl.' I always thought she meant don't be naughty and say 'Please' and 'Thank you,' " Sharon recalled. "As I got older, I also think she meant that I should be kind and loving and help whenever I can, and that is what I have modeled my life after."

Sharon Maurer did good in this world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather Charles Gress; husband of nearly 62 years, Tom Maurer; sister, AnnaMay (Clyde) Austin; in-laws John and Germaine Maurer, Roger (June) Maurer, Donald Maurer, Alice (Dean) Keeler, John "Pete" Maurer, Julius (Catherine) Maurer, Sr. Germaine "Gert" Maurer, Nancy (Tredinnick) Maurer, Victor Maurer, and Corinne (Albert) Drake; and Norman and Avonell Fry and Glenda Yoshikawa.

She is survived by her children Joe (Janet) Maurer, Ed (Kelly) Maurer, Tom (Kathy) Maurer, Teresa (Eric) Heide, Steve (Stacy) Maurer, Shari Dick, and Doug (Kristen) Maurer; 15 grandchildren: Joshua (Caitlin) Maurer, Jackie Maurer, Ashley (Alex) Goodroe, Grant (Margo) Heide, Kevin (Shelby) Maurer, Steven Maurer, Luke (Ashley) Heide, Christine (Adam) Khanfar, Becky (Garrett) Amstutz, Matthew Maurer, Elizabeth Heide, Allison Dick, Samantha Dick, Adam Maurer, Ben Maurer; 16 great-grandchildren: Natalie, Celia, Annabelle, Tobin and Lina Maurer; Jaci, Liam, Landon and Levi Goodroe; Adalyn and Averie Maurer; Loralye, Declan, Keenan and Ellery Heide; and Andrew Amstutz; in-laws Martha Maurer, Richard (Ina) Maurer, Gerry (Art) Orzula, Edgar Maurer, Susan (John) Bahs; numerous nieces, nephews and their families; and many long-time friends.

Visitation from 4:00PM to 7:00PM with a Rosary at 7:00PM at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 805 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI 49058. Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Hastings, Michigan.

To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .