Sharon Ann Kish, 76 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024. She was born April 9, 1947 in South Bend, IN, the daughter of the late James and Mary Jane (Thomas) Decker. Sharon was a graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree in counseling, which led her to a highly accomplished career in community and philanthropic service. Most notably working as the President of the United Way of Porter County in Indiana and the Executive Director of Neighboring Mental Health Center in Lake County, Ohio. Her hard work and care for community was recognized with various awards over her career including the Key to the City of Valparaiso in 2015 and the State of Indiana’s prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award. Sharon was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Valparaiso, Rotary Club of Valparaiso, and the Porter County Parks Foundation. Most of all she loved and cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
On February 3, 1968, Sharon married James R. Kish who preceded her in death on December 19, 2023. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Duncan of Macomb, MI, Kathleen (Joseph) Posavac of Valparaiso & Kara Kish of Loveland, CO; grandchildren, Joely & Bryn Duncan and Vivienne & Evette Posavac; brother, James “Ken” (Cheryl) Decker; in-laws, Joseph Kish, Barbara (Michael) Blume & John (Joan) Kish; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held April 3, 2024 from 3 – 7 pm CDT at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with prayer service at 6:00 pm. The funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am CDT April 4, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 509 W. Division Rd., Valparaiso, IN with burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 W. Cleveland Rd., Granger, IN with a 3:00 pm EDT committal ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Valparaiso Rotary Club Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 522 Valparaiso, IN 46384.
GUESTBOOK
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother Kathleen, and grandmother Vivienne & Yvette. Joe is with my most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother-in law. I pray that God gives you and your family the strength to deal with this painful moment. Be blessed and keep her memory alive. -Felicia Freeman
I’m pretty sure Sharon wanted to be with Jim and I’m glad they are together after all the happy years they had. I know they will be remembered and missed by children and grandchildren for many years to come. -Christine Morningstar
Please accept our condolences. Sharon and Jim were good friends for a long time. I will miss seeing both of them at community events. Your family’s loss is shared by our whole community. May she RIP. -Jon & Kathy Groth
Sharon was a lovely, very friendly lady. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She took great care of her husband up until the end. They were an inspiring couple. We who knew and loved Sharon will always remember and miss her. -Jeri Maxwell
The world is a little dimmer and heaven a bit brighter...thank you for your leadership in Northwest Indiana. You made a huge difference for so many lives and I´m thankful to have been a part of United Way. You were a gem and unfortunately I think Hallmark stock price will be going down because of all your thoughtful notes and cards you sent! My thoughts are with Jenny, Kathy and Kara and family. I´m sorry for the great loss you´ve suffered in such a short time. May the Lord bless and keep you, Sharon. -Melissa Castle-Kirincic
