Mary Elizabeth Sharlow

On, April 1, 2020, Mary Elizabeth (Shimshak) Sharlow passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family after a strong fight with Leukemia. She was born on April 9, 1945, in La Crosse to Joseph and Mathilda (Thesing) Shimshak who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her sisters, Mildred Shimshak, Audrey (Shimshak) Larkin, and Kathleen (Shimshak) Beck; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Stella Shimshak.

Mary grew up in La Crosse and attended Holy Cross School and Aquinas High School, graduating in 1963.  On May 16, 1970, she married William C. Sharlow and moved to the Northside of La Crosse. It was there that they raised their two children, Jody Peterson of Onalaska, Wis., and Billie Jo (Rob) Sharlow-Vanderzanden of Hillsboro, Ore. In addition to her daughters and husband, Mary is survived by her brother and sister-in-law; Jim and Wanda Shimshak, and a brother-in-law, Roger Beck. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kearstin (Josh) Hyttinen, Landon Peterson, and Cayden Vanderzanden; as well as a great-grandchild; Bayne Hyttinen; and many nieces and nephews. Mary also leaves behind many wonderful friends and neighbors that she embraced.

Mary graduated from La Crosse Beauty School in 1965 and began her career as a beautician. Through those years, she had the privilege of working at many different establishments and even opened one of her own, “Sharlow’s Beauty Shop”. Mary loved not only making others look beautiful, but the camaraderie that came along with that. She retired in 2019, and throughout the years made life lasting friendships that she treasured dearly.

In addition to her career, Mary enjoyed volunteering her time to teach CCD classes at St. James Catholic Church, being a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin, and a member of the La Crosse Logan High School Booster Club. Mary was an avid bowler and bowled in a women's league and eventually a couple's league with her husband for many years. Each turning season brought about other hobbies Mary loved; planting flowers in the Spring and seeing their beauty through Summer, going to craft shows in the Fall and outings in the Winter with her family and friends. Mary enjoyed decorating her home for each Holiday of the year and sharing her passion with those that visited at her home.

Later in life, Mary and William enjoyed traveling with friends to various places in the United States. Many memories were made in their travels to Branson, Mo., St. Louis, Mo., Las Vegas, NV., Washington, D.C., Orlando, Fla., Mackinac Island, Mich., Rochester, N.Y, Nashville, Tenn, New Orleans, La., and Yellowstone National Park. Mary also enjoyed many trips with her family and spending precious time with her grandchildren.

Her family and friends knew her as a kind and happy soul, always with a smile on her face, and willing to help anyone in need. She loved with a passion, and cherished her role as a friend, sister, aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be missed by family and numerous friends.

Memorial services will be held at a later date and will be announced by Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse. The family of Mary Sharlow would like to thank the Gundersen Lutheran Staff and Hospice Program for all their care and support during Mary’s time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society online at lls.org or mailed to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018.

Your Mother Is Always With You…

Your mother is always with you…

She’s the whisper of the leaves

As you walk down the street.

She’s the smell of bleach

in your freshly laundered socks.

She’s the cool hand on your brow

when you’re not well.

Your mother lives inside your laughter.

She’s crystalized in every tear drop.

She’s the place you came from,

your first home…

She’s the map you follow

with every step that you take.

She’s your first love

and your first heart break…

and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, Not space…

Not even death…

will ever separate you

from your mother.

You carry her love inside of you…

Author Unknown