Sharon Kay Bylsma

February 16, 1948 ~
November 24, 2022

On Thursday, November 24, 2022, the spirit of Sharon Kay Bylsma left this earth in peace and love. Sharon was born on February 16, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She grew up on Merritt Street in Grand Rapids with her siblings and parents, John & Dorothy Dolfin. She attended East Christian High School and graduated from Calvin College in 1970. Sharon is survived by her loving children, Bjorn (Shanna) Bylsma and Amber (Brandon) Gorby; grandchildren, Addyson, Wyatt, Charlotte, Olivia and McKinley; sister, Barb Mead; brother, Larry Dolfin; sister-in-law, Marilee Bylsma; sister-in-law, Nancy Bylsma; brother-in-law, Jay Bylsma; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Charles John and her parents, John and Dorothy (nee VanderStow) Dolfin. Sharon loved being at her home in the woods and spent countless hours in her garden and walking among the trees. Sharon was an avid organic gardener and enjoyed canning and preserving the fruits of her labor. She was proud to get her home and property in the woods recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Sharon enjoyed reading historical and archeological books and doing crossword puzzles. Sharon was known as “Nana” by her grandchildren and all other kids that spent time with her. She loved teaching children about art, plants, and wildlife. Sharon was employed as an Art Teacher at Byron Center High School from 1970-1983. More than anything Sharon wanted children and decided to be a stay-at-home Mom after having children. Her love of teaching and children brought her back to teaching as a substitute for many years when her kids were in school. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, November 27, 2022, from 2 PM to 5 PM at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel located at 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont, MI 49306. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Nature Conservancy.

Visitation: Sunday, November 27 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Visitation
Sunday, November 27
2:00pm - 5:00pm

MKD - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI 49306
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 866-7200

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November 25, 2022

I had Amber in my day care (and sometimes Bjorn) when Amber was just a baby. Sharon was one of my favorite moms. Always so friendly and happy. My sympathies and prayers to the family.

- Mary (LaMaire) Kamenec

November 25, 2022

Sharon Bylsma loved the outdoors. She loved walking in the woods, watching the wildlife and the changing seasons. But most of all Sharon loved her garden. This was where she joined with nature, helping nature do its work, preparing good soil, planting, watering, weeding, growing good food and eating it fresh or canning and freezing it for the winter days to come. In her garden, Sharon joined with Mother Nature to bring out the best that nature has to offer. And then she shared it with those she loved. So, if there is one word that is the key to understanding Sharon Bylsma, it might be the word “Nature”. But, perhaps an even better word for Sharon’s life and legacy is the related word “Nurture”. In a Google search for “nurture”, six images come up next to the Merriam-Webster definition – five of those images are close-up photos of small seedlings with human hands caring for them. Sharon’s love for her garden is certainly exemplified in those five photos. The sixth photo illustrating “nurture” pictures a mom caressing her baby. That same quality of nurturing which Sharon gave to her garden, she lavished on her family, on Charlie and on her children, Bjorn and Amber, and on their children, her grandchildren. As a nurturer, Sharon found her pride and deepest joy in the wellbeing and success of those she loved. Her hands caressed and her heart cherished them all. Nurtured by that love, they blossomed and grew and became fruitful. And Sharon beamed with glee. Sharon showed us all what love is. Like a gospel parable, she exemplified the nurturing love of our Creator and made it real. Thanks be to God for the life and witness of Sharon Bylsma! Blessed to be a friend of Sharon’s for the past 57 years,

- Hank Kroondyk