Sharon N. Conner

THE FOLLOWING OBITUARY WAS LOVINGLY WRITTEN BY SHARON'S FAMILY AND IS BEING SHARED AT THEIR REQUEST. Sharon N. Conner, age 85, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the Hospital, surrounded by love. Born on October 5, 1939, in Burlington, Iowa, the only child of Charles Reeves and Dorothy Curtis-Reeves, Sharon attended Burlington High School and went on to live a full and joyful life. On May 30, 1959, she married the love of her life, Richard “Bruce” Conner in Burlington, Iowa. They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her cherished great-aunt Dorothy (Reeves) Perkins. In addition to many of Bruce’s brothers, sisters and their spouses. She is survived by her devoted children: Kerry Conner (Rochelle) of Momence, Illinois; Kimberly Friedrich (Bill) of Texas; Kirk Conner of Valparaiso, Indiana; and Kellie English (Dave) of Brunswick, Georgia. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Kaitlyn English of Springfield, IL; Andrew English (Ashley); Madeline Hostetler (Scott); Lillian Conner; Kacey Conner; and Rebecca Conner. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Emersyn Dennis and Mayzie English; her new great-grandchild, Baby English, who is expected to arrive around Sharon’s birthday; her bonus step grandchildren and great grandchildren; Gene and Mary Russell and Joe Minneci. Sharon and her family spent the majority of their life in Grant Park, Illinois until Bruce’s retirement brought them to Vienna, Illinois in 1997, where they met many dear friends. Sharon spent the past 9 months living in Springfield, Illinois with Kaitlyn, Emmy and Mayzie. Sharon was able to watch soccer matches and participated in many tickle fights. Sharon was able to reconnect with great friends, Ed and Sandy Hollis. Sharon found joy in life’s simple pleasures – she loved bowling, working in her yard, going to Sunday School and especially celebrating Christmas. Each holiday season, she transformed her home into a festive wonderland and delighted in sharing her decorations with friends and family. She never met a stranger and made it her mission to spread joy, often through her trademark Christmas cards sent faithfully each year to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. A devoted alumna of Burlington High School class of 1957, Sharon never missed a class reunion. In true Sharon fashion, she once stole the show by arriving dressed as Marilyn Monroe – an unforgettable moment that perfectly captured her fun-loving, vibrant spirit. Above all, Sharon treasured her family. She was immensely proud of her children, adored her grandchildren, and considered becoming a great-grandmother one of life’s greatest blessings. Her warmth, laughter, and boundless love leave a legacy that will be cherished forever. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sharon N. Conner

October 5, 1939 - August 12, 2025