Sharon French
February 27, 1949 ~ November 19, 2018
Resided in:
South Portland, ME
South Portland - Sharon A. French, 69, passed away peacefully with family by her side at her home on Monday, November 19, 2018.
Born in Portland on February 27, 1949, Sharon was the daughter of the late Roy and Geraldine (Bellefontaine) Kierstead. She was a graduate of Portland High School, Class of 1967. A short few years out of high school, Sharon married John W. French on September 18, 1971. For the next 47 years, they raised their family on the foundation of faith and hard work, and never went to bed without saying "I love you". She was an active member of North Deering Alliance Church for 46 years.
Those who knew Sharon understood that she always put others before herself. Whether it was making sure South Portland families received a French's Cake for their family event, or operating French's Daycare, everything Sharon did was for someone else. In addition to her family businesses, she also found an immense amount of joy working at Skillin Elementary School for 20 years as a lunch aide. During her time at Skillin's, she developed some very close relationships with her co-workers, students and parents. As a testament to her character, the school renamed the PTA scholarship to be in her name which benefits a South Portland High School Student each year.
Every person who Sharon met became like family. She went above and beyond to care for people, and even brought in foreign exchange students over the years. She loved entertaining and having people over. On the night before she died, there was a craft party at her home as one last opportunity to bring people together.
While Sharon is gone from this earthly dwelling, her memory and caring spirit for others will live within everyone who was impacted by this remarkable woman.
Sharon is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, John W. French of South Portland; son, Eric French and his wife Rebecca of New Gloucester; daughter, Julie Vickers and husband Richey of Windham. She was the loving "Meme" to Morgan, Wyatt and Paige, and was looking forward to meeting Baby Girl French in March. Sharon is also survived by her siblings, Charles Lyttle, Norma Fossett, Betty Jean Millett, Roy Kierstead, Robert Kierstead, Ronald Kierstead, and Rodney Kierstead. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of VNA Home and Hospice for the wonderful care Sharon received, as well as a thanks to all of her family and friends who visited and offered words of comfort.
Visiting Hours celebrating Sharon's life will be held on Monday, November 26 from 4-8PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Funeral Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 27 at 10AM at the Funeral Home, Pastor Steve Espling officiating. Interment will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress Street, Portland. To view Sharon's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to the Sharon French Memorial Scholarship, c/o Skillin School PTA, 180 Wescott Road, South Portland, Maine 04106
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I will never forget your bright smile my sweet Sharon.
– Sandrine Ntambwe
hi John and Eric and Julie, I was so sorry about the passing of your mom and grandma and mom. We had cake made by her and i remember her helping at south portland schools. So sorry for your family. Kristn tully
– kristen tully
How do you only share one memory? They have done so much for Hannah and I. Hannah attended their day care for the first 8 years of her life. Even when I had to work late or had a meeting, they would offer to keep Hannah until I could pick her up. They were always feeding us, and we enjoyed many dinners out together. Sharon and I shared a lot of shopping trips, and always had a lot of laughs. Hannah thought of Sharon as a surrogate Grandma since we lived so far from family. We always went to their home/parties and felt like family. Sharon had a lot of friends,but I think that we are all part of her extended family. We miss the whole family-hugs from Chicago!
– Cheryl Tibbetts
You did not choose me to be in your family but you graced me with the privelage. I love how well you took care of us, fed us, and fussed at us when we needed it. I will miss playing dominos and cards with you and laughing at your ability to sleep during our movies. I will miss tickling your feet even though I know you hated it. Thank you for teaching your daughter how to be the woman of my dreams and giving her up for the years in college and in Georgia. Thank you for the love. I will miss your little “Ahhhhhh….” at the end of a good laugh. We will miss you meme.
– Richey Vickers
John, Im so sorry for your loss…harder on those left behind…knowing Sharon is in the arms of the heavenly angels is a peaceful feeling…you have great support from a very loving family…may God bless you and your family…love to all, Nancy. Cousin
– Nancy Thibodeau
Our deepest sympathy to John and family. However, we are rejoicing that Sharon is with her Saviour and that she is pain free.
– Pastor Jim & Kerry Moffett
John, Eric and. Julie, On behalf of the Sobey family,we share your sadness . Sharon was one powerful lady. She was loved dearly and an inspiration to our family and community. Our prayers and positive thoughts are said
– Jenny L. Sobey
Sharon has been a member of the French family for more than 47 years. She has been a sweet addition to our family. Her love for my brother has been An indication of the Christian love that Jesus commanded in the Bible for woman to submit to their husbands. His words to the husband to love their wives as Christ loved the church, is the picture of them love that they shared those 47 years this September 18th. These past two years have really shown to the rest of the family this Christ like love test they both had for each other. As John stayed by her side almost every waking hour and even sleeping in the chair next to her till the end. This is undaunted love. The love for her children and grandchildren went beyond measure. She would do anything for her loved ones and did. They housed many foreign exchange students over the years and housed over 350 daycare children during these past twenty or more years. Love abounded in this home and Sharon and John were in the midst of this love. I am so proud to have know this sweet woman and so glad that she was. Eddie my brother all those years. Can’t wsit to get to heaven for a huge family reunion in bybecsmy some dayour .
– Linda French Twombly
Thank you Sharon and John French for the many years of fabulous birthday and celebration cakes you provided while my family was growing up. My kids are now in their 40’s, but we all communicated when we saw the news of Sharon’s death. Not only did we remember the beautiful cakes, but even more importantly, we recalled how she always called us “dear” and made our occasions feel so special because we were serving a Sharon French cake. In my text to my kids, I said Sharon’s life was a life well lived. My son responded, “it was a sweet life on many levels.” This sends condolences to John and the rest of Sharon’s family. You were blessed to have Sharon in your life for so many years. So were we! Susan H. Livingston & Family
– Susan H Livingston
Sorry for your loss. She will be missed here and in Canada. Sincerely, Dana and Nancy
– Dana Ryder
Love and Prayers for the French Family. A wonderful Lady and Dear friend!! Rest in Peace, with Love The Wellington Family
– M. Wellington