Rapid River, MI
Sharon Wilbee, 78, Rapid River, passed away on Monday, June 9, with her children by her side, at Christian Park Center in Escanaba.
Sharon was the daughter of John and Evelyn Hansen. She was born and raised in Scarborough, Canada, the eldest of 11children. She was living and working in Montreal when she met her husband, Fred T. Wilbee, through mutual friends. They were married on June 14, 1969, and settled in upstate New York where Fred was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. In 1970, they returned to Fred’s hometown of Rapid River, where they raised their family and spent the remainder of their married life.
Throughout the years, Sharon maintained her Canadian citizenship but spent her time working in the Rapid River community. She worked at the B&W IGA but was probably best known as the smiling face greeting customers at Sall-Mar Resort for many years until her retirement.
In her free time, Sharon enjoyed golfing with Fred, gardening, doing puzzles and appreciating the lake views and abundant sunshine that filled her Garth Point home. She also cherished time with her four beautiful granddaughters and could be counted on for a chat over a cup of coffee with friends, anytime. Sharon will be remembered for her quiet strength, fierce independence and great love for her family.
She is survived by her son, John (Stacy) Wilbee; daughter, Kristine (Nick) Sheffler; and granddaughters, Mikaela, Karleigh, and Dylan Wilbee and Hadley Sheffler. Sisters, Carol Hansenand Barbara Barfoot; brothers James (Marie) Hansen, John (Joanne) Hansen and Carl Hansen; brothers-in-law, Juergen Huhn, Wayne Ford, Robert (Sheree) Wilbee and John Broedersand many nieces, nephews, and dear friends in the US and Canada.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Wilbee (2015); sisters Lynda Ford, Judy Huhn, Karen Hansen, infant sister Dale Hansen, brother Tom Hansen and sister-in-law, Dawn Broeders
A memorial service for immediate family will be held later this summer.
Janet Shandonay-Beauvais - Escanaba, MI
Condolences to all the family. We are going to miss our lovely Garth Point neighbor. We enjoyed her conversations, wise humor and was inspired by her tenacity to do all that she could without help. May she rest in peace and look down upon us from her heavenly home.
Gary Lehman - Escanaba, MI
My condolences to the family of Sharon and Fred’s entire family. I worked with Fred for many years at the Papermill. He was a great guy…and now him and Sharon are reunited forever. May the both rest in peace!
Ken, Heidi, Cameron and Noel Lee - CORNELL, MI
John and Kristine we are so saddened at hearing of the loss of your mom. Your mom and dad were true friends and good people, and I think of them often. You’ll be in our prayers.
Theresa Moss - Cocoa, FL
I worked with Sharon at Sall Mars in Rapid. Such a sweet kind lady. I haven’t seen her in years but will never forget her. Prayers for family and friends.