Sharen Wilson

Sharen Wilson, 78, of Middleton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at her home, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease (PSP).

Sharen was born in Milwaukee, WI, to proud parents, William and Jane Smith. She grew up in South Milwaukee near Grant Park and Lake Michigan, where she enjoyed many wonderful adventures. In middle school, she went to a movie with a boy named Tom Wilson, and that was the beginning of a love story that lasted 65 years. Sharen and Tom were married in South Milwaukee at St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church on April 19, 1965.

After graduating from South Milwaukee High School, Sharen attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a degree in teaching with a double major in Home Economics and English. She taught middle and high school classes in the city of Saint Francis, WI. The year after Sharen and Tom were married, they moved to Madison where Sharen continued teaching at Verona middle and high schools for four years until they had children. For the next 15 years, Sharen was dedicated to raising her children, before re-entering the workforce.

Sharen embarked on a new career path, as a medical researcher with the UW Pulmonary department. She ran clinical studies focused on cystic fibrosis and lung disease. Sharen had a special passion for the CF studies, since she had a nephew who died from the disease. Her work on pulmonary studies continued until her retirement in 2012.

She enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including sewing and knitting, as well as attending parties and holiday gatherings with family and friends. Sharen’s favorite pastime was reading; she was in numerous book clubs over the years and even founded a few of them herself.

Sharen will be dearly missed by her husband, and children; Kristen (Matt) Young, Apple Valley, MN, Lori (Jason) Arendt, Lakeville, MN, and Jon Wilson, Madison, WI; five grandchildren, Will, Kate, Megan, Jack and Kyra; sister Kay (William) Koplovitz, New York, NY, and brother Mark (Stephanie) Smith, Jersey City, NJ.

A private memorial service will be held at Cress Funeral and Cremation Services 6021 University Avenue, Middleton, WI on Saturday, April 24th.

Her family would like to thank the dedicated team of caregivers Always Best Care and Agrace Hospice, both of Madison, for making her last few years comfortable and ensuring that she was able to remain
at home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sharen’s name may be made to Madison Public Library and Agrace Hospice.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406