Sharon Melnick

Sharon Melnick, loving and beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, was born September 10, 1938, in Holloway, MN, to Ruth and Walter Simonson. Sharon was a “blue baby” when she was born with a hole in her heart, and was one of the first 100 people in the world to have open heart surgery at the University of Minnesota, her alma mater. Sharon was a faithful servant of God. She was baptized at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, MN. Sharon attended Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis when the family moved to Minneapolis. She was so pleased to often sit with four generations in the front pew. Later, Sharon attended Woodlake Lutheran Church. Even as Sharon suffered the effects of Alzheimer’s, she was joyful that her daughter Melissa became a pastor and looked forward to worshiping with her at Tapestry.

Sharon was a devoted mother who was known for attending every one of her daughters’ and grandsons’ events as they grew up. She cheered loudly at sporting events and beamed with pride as she watched other events. Sharon and daughter Bridgit especially enjoyed watching the Gophers, Twins and Vikings, and just about any other sport, often yelling at the TV as she watched intensely. Sharon retired after working for 30 years for the City of Minneapolis, most of those at the Minneapolis Health Department in Downtown Minneapolis. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, walking, and spending time with friends. People often describe Sharon as sweet and nice, which she was, and she was also brave and strong and loyal. Her family was blessed by her unconditional love.

Sharon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009. Bridgit cared for her in her home until 2016 when Sharon moved to the memory floor of Mt. Olivet Home and later to Mt. Olivet Careview Home. Alzheimer’s ravaged Sharon’s mind and body, but not her spirit. Sharon was known for her smiles and gratitude, but mostly she was known for dancing and singing. “You Are My Sunshine” was Sharon’s favorite song, and she smiled and sang every time it was sung to her.

Sharon is survived by daughters Melissa (Josué) and Bridgit, grandsons Austin and Brandon, sister Shirley, brothers Roger and Ronald, and by many nieces and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Walter, brothers Richard, Robert, Raymond, baby brother and baby sister Simonson, grandson Christopher, and nephew Gary.

The family is thankful for her care at Mt. Olivet Home and Mt. Olivet Careview, and to Grace Hospice for their care and attention in these last weeks.

Sharon, beloved child of God, you are our sunshine and we will always remember your light.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to The Family of Sharon Melnick, c/o BRADSHAW, 3131 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, 55406

Funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020 at:

Lakewood Cemetery

3600 Hennepin Ave So

Minneapolis MN 55408

(gravesite is to the left of the entrance, very near Hubert Humphrey’s gravesite)