Sharon Rae Sokolowski, beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away on December 11, 2023 in Grand Rapids, only hours before her 79th birthday. She was born on December 12, 1944. Sharon was a radiant and charismatic woman whose infectious laugh, and warm smile could light up any room. Her heart was as immense as her love for her large family, and every member felt her love immensely. Sharon had a special fondness for hummingbirds and enjoyed turning her home into a beautiful greenhouse. She also had a passion for shopping, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Sharon was also adventurous, and a force to be reckoned with; In her 70's she swam with sharks in the ocean during her trip to Hawaii, and got her first tattoo (of hummingbird, of course). Sharon is survived by her husband, Leon Staples, her brothers and sisters: Dan Emory, Joseph Emory, Teresa Emory, Bernard Downs, Robin Kruzel (Downs), Dawn Downs, Randall Smith, and Richard Smith. Sharon's six living children and their spouses: Kenneth Sokolowski, Thomas (Peggy) Sokolowski, Steven (Nora) Sokolowski Sr., James Sokolowski Jr., Randall (Christie) Sokolowski, and Kristi (Richard) Staples (Sokolowski). She leaves behind a legacy of love and is fondly remembered by her 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years and father to their seven children, James Carl Sokolowski Sr. in 2008. Sharon and James also sadly lost their daughter, Ann Marie Sokolowski, days following her birth. Sharon was also preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Smith and Arthur Downs, her stepmother, Martha Downs, stepfather, Robert Smith, her sister, Ruth Ann Downs and brother Robert Downs. Sharon Rae Sokolowski will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever live on in our hearts of her family and friends, who find peace in knowing she's reunited with James and their daughter that they never got the chance to know on Earth. VISITATION : Monday, December 18, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel 7193 W 48th Street Fremont MI 49412 with ROSARY SERVICES at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. VISITATION : Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 at the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 599 W. Brooks Street Newaygo MI 49337. FUNERAL MASS SERVICES : Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. INTERMENT : St. Bartholomew Catholic Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriner's Hospital for Children. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Sokolowski family online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel 231-924-0800 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Sharon R. Sokolowski, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. VISITATION Crandell Funeral Home - Fremont Chapel Monday, December 18, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, MI 49412 Rosary Crandell Funeral Home - Fremont Chapel Monday, December 18, 2023 7:00 PM 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, MI 49412 VISITATION St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 599 W Brooks Newaygo, MI 49337 Mass of Christian Burial St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:00 AM 599 W. Brooks Newaygo, MI 49337