Sharon Eckstein

To know Sharon Eckstein was to love her and be loved by her. She was a constant source of strength and resilience, even in the most difficult of times, and she faced each and every challenge with a spirit of fierce determination. Nothing brought Sharon greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all around her. Deeply loved, Sharon will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The early 1950s are remembered as some of the most influential years for the United States. The economy was thriving following the end of WWII just a short time before, and the historical baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Norman and Lavange (Jones) Sargent of Muskegon, Michigan, were looking forward to the arrival of their baby. On June 3, 1953, they welcomed their daughter, Sharon, into their lives.

In many ways, Sharon enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation. She was raised in the family home in the countryside of Montague alongside her younger sister, Patti. Sharon’s father, Norman, worked as a stockbroker while her mother, Lavange, was a dedicated homemaker. Sharon grew up living in the country. She loved playing in the woods and having the freedom to run around. Despite being overall a good kid with strong values, this didn’t stop Sharon from being mischievous at times; throwing tomatoes at cars when the occasional urge hit her.

From an early age, Sharon was a captivating storyteller, with Patti as her adoring audience. Sharon would carry this love for stories with her in the years to come. She found a passion for writing and publishing her poems and short stories for others to enjoy. Throughout her formative years, Sharon attended local schools. She graduatedfrom high school in 1972 and went on to pursue further education at Grand Valley StateUniversity, studying to be a teacher.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Sharon as she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Brian Eckstein, and the two first met at Grand Valley. As fate would have it, they lived in the same building, just across the hall from each other. Sharon ran into Brian one day, and the rest was history. Over time, their relationship blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Sharon and Brian were married in 1977. The newlyweds then settled down in the Grand Rapids area for a time before moving to Kalamazoo to build Sharon’s dream home in the woods.

While first attending Grand Valley, Sharon planned to become a teacher. Eventually, however, she followed her true calling to Western Michigan University, where she worked to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree. Sharon used her skill and passion to become a gallery artist, winning many awards for her breathtaking paintings. She also worked to shape the next generation of artists by teaching art at WMU and the KIA. Later in life, as her declining health made it difficult to hold a brush, Sharon turned her attention to psychology through WMU. She found a great love for psychology, and she soon merged her two passions. A psychology professor at Western who has become a dear friend, Tom Holmes, needed illustrations for his textbook, ‘Parts Work - An Illustrated Guide to Your Inner Life’, and Sharon was happy to help. The illustrations were well received by the target audience and with encouragement from Tom, she created ‘Inner Active Cards’, illustrations used by therapists and psychologists to unlock realization and clarity. The cards are distributed worldwide, giving Sharon reach to help so many others.

Sharon was a woman of many hobbies, but she also enjoyed the simplest things in life. She loved walking in nature, and slowing down brought her great peace. Sharon liked to see the flowers in bloom. She especially loved trilliums, bloodroot, and all spring flowers. Though she was locked in a constant battle with Still’s disease, Sharon was incredibly strong and patient. She never let her sickness get the better of her, and she could always find the positive in any situation, even amid the struggle.

When looking back on the life of Sharon Eckstein, it is easy to see both her unwavering perseverance and her unconditional love for her family and friends. She was a shining example of kindness and service, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to care for those around her. A devoted wife, sister, and aunt to several nieces and nephews, Sharon was a friend to many and beloved by all she met. Her joyful heart allowed her to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Though she will be dearly missed, Sharon leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Age 71, she died on January 8, 2025. Sharon was born June 3 in 1953 to Norman Sargent and Lagrange (Jones) Sargent. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving is her husband, Brian; siblings, Patti Sargent; stepbrother, Brian Thompson; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Celebrate Sharon’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. (269) 375-2900. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.