Sharon Arlene Petersen

On January 16, 2022, Sharon Petersen, beloved partner and mother, passed away in Diamond Springs, CA, lovingly surrounded by her partner, children and grandchildren; she was 78 years old. Sharon was born to Dorothy and John Murphy, in New Jersey. After graduating from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, she went on to study Radiation Technology and became one of the first Radiation Therapists of her time. She worked for many years in Radiation Therapy in San Jose, CA, making it her mission to care for patients of all ages, who were affected by cancer. Sharon eventually made the transition into Healthcare Administration, becoming an administrator at several hospitals, before moving into care for the community, working with Samaritan House Charities. Sharon loved working with and helping people, and she could often be found heading up toy drives or holiday meal events. Anyone in need could always find a helping hand with Sharon, her heart and her door were always open to those in need. Sharon met the love of her life, Mike VanBusKirk, and retired to Diamond Springs, CA in 2015. Sharon and Mike loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. Sharon loved to sew, knit, crochet and work on crafts; she could often be found in her beloved craft room, working on new projects for Christmas gifts or her "Random Act of Kindness" project. Sharon was a firm believer in kindness and the power it holds. She would always say, "kindness is free and you just never know what someone else is going through and how you could make a difference in their day". Sharon was predeceased by her daughter Michele and her son Wayne. Sharon is survived by partner Mike VanBusKirk and her children: Jennifer Kunzelman, her son-in-law Randy, Mathew Walsh, her daughter-in-law Meg Walsh, Tracie DeMarco, Jack Walsh and her daughter-in-law Veronica Williams, Sheri and her daughter-in-law Lynell; and her 18 grandchildren; Bailey, Cody, Dallas, Adam, Brittany, Jordan, Savannah, Robbie, Shelby, Julia, Sierra, Candace, Jack Jr, Makenze, Shelby, John and Jacob, and her great grandchildren; Julian, Sophia, Isaac and Noah. In lieu of flowers, Sharon asked for donations to be made to Snowline Hospice in Diamond Springs, CA. They were an incredible lifeline for her and for us during this time. At her request, in her final wishes, a small family memorial will be held with immediate family at a later date.