Sharon M. O'Neill

She was born June 25, 1938 in Goshen to Maxwell and Floy (White) O’Neill.

Sharon grew up in a very musical family playing the piano and clarinet.  Sharon graduated from Goshen High School in the class of 1956.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism from Butler University.  She was awarded her Master’s degree in Library and Information Services from L.S.U on January 26, 1965.  Sharon financed her Master’s degree by playing piano on Bourbon Street.

Sharon worked for many years as a librarian at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.  She served as a librarian and consultant at the University of Notre Dame, St Joseph County Public Library, and the Indiana State Library Network in Indianapolis.  She served on the board of the Goshen Public Library and was a Friends of the Library member.  Sharon volunteered at Oaklawn and was a member of Philomathians.  She was a very active member at First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a longtime member of the church staff, first as Office Manager and then as the Congregational Visitor. She was an ordained deacon.

In 2009 Sharon was named Career Women of the Year by the Career Women’s Guild.  The award is given to a woman who exemplifies serving her community.  Sharon’s three passions were music, reading and traveling.  She particularly enjoyed trips with Goshen College to France, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal. Other favorite trips included Russia, Ireland and the Panama Canal.   Sharon was a care giver for several people.

Survivors include a sister, Wynifred Clark, Elkhart and a brother, Verde (Joan) O’Neill, Lakeville.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald O’Neill.

Friends may call Thursday, Feb. 15 from 10 until the 11 a.m. memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, 215 E. Lincoln Ave., Goshen.  Rev. Alan Griffin will officiate.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Friends of the Goshen Public Library, Oaklawn Foundation or First Presbyterian Church.