Sharon Lee (Miller) Andersen of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on November 8, 2024 at the age of 83. Sharon was raised in a family with 3 brothers and she and Robert raised 3 sons. So, it was inherent that she honed a strong voice and stature; which she did! She very much had a matriarchal essence in the Andersen household.
“Let’s Go” was Sharon’s modus operandi. She was an avid walker and could out-pace most others. She perfected the art/science of shopping and prided herself on her phenomenal bargain discoveries, including home décor. She thrived in social settings, whether in bridge group, book club, or regular social events with friends. She and Robert enjoyed many travels, including a stay at a Tuscan villa with friends, Oregon wine country with her son Jay and family and annual trips to Las Vegas to visit son James, enjoy shows and display her slot skills. Actually, she embodied FOMO, “Fear of Missing Out” before the term was coined, laser-focused on maximizing social opportunities.
Sharon had a tight-knit group of five friends since Catholic grade school through high school known as the “59-ers” in reference to their high school graduation year. A cohort of the group became nurses, including Sharon. Their friendship bond was durable through adulthood, kindled by annual reunions. Sharon was proud of her RN degree and worked in a variety of health care venues, initially in the hospital setting, later at Nutrisystem as a steward of wellness and eventually as a volunteer at St. Lukes in the orthopedic rehab department.
Sharon loved the sun and enjoyed her time on the deck soaking up the rays. The family had a very robust “lake life” with a group of dear friends, the Robbins, Hays, Temmes and Zwahlens, aka “The OP Wizzers” and once a year, Sharon would display her slalom water ski skills.
While her physical persona will be dearly missed by family and friends, we are blessed with forever memories.
Sharon was born April 24, 1941 in Valley City, North Dakota to Melvern and Irene Petsinger Miller. Sharon is predeceased by her parents, brothers Don Carew and Ron Miller. She is survived by her husband, Robert, sons Jeff (Staci), Jay (Tony), James (Tony) and daughter-in-law Gail Andersen. Grandchildren Brett Andersen, Brylee Andersen, Blake Andersen, Quinn Andersen, Dane Andersen and Eliza Andersen.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 at Church of the Ascension Catholic Church, 9510 W 127th Street, Overland Park KS. Visitation is at the church prior to mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Private family graveside to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gentiva Hospice, 8735 Rosehill Road, Lenexa, KS 66215.