Sharon Rae Kozlowski, 83, of Indian Trail, North Carolina, formerly of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away surrounded by family on February 25, 2024. Sharon was born on January 3, 1941, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Thomas and Edith (Nelson) Johnson. She grew up in a loving home, deeply rooted in her faith. From an early age, Sharon's devotion to her family and her faith shone brightly. After graduating from Valpo High School, she began her career at McGill's electrical division. It was during her time at McGill's that she met the love of her life, Ronald Kozlowski, whom she married in 1961. Their union was blessed with love, laughter, and three wonderful children.
Two years into their marriage, Ronald received the news that would lead them on a journey across continents. "You have been selected," the letters said, and soon they found themselves at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for six months before embarking on a year and a half in Germany. Sharon cherished their time in Oklahoma and Germany, where they made lasting memories and wonderful friends. The couple then moved to Michigan City for 2 and 1/2 years, during which their older children, Kevin and Tina Kozlowski, were born. Life's adventures then brought them back to Valparaiso, where Ronald resumed his work at McGill's and their youngest, Beth, was born. With Ronald's job, they were fortunate to travel together, creating many experiences that created cherished memories.
Her devotion to her family was unmatched. As a wife, mother, and later a grandmother and great-grandmother, Sharon poured her heart and soul into nurturing her loved ones. She sold Avon for a couple of years while Beth was at home, then transitioned to part-time work at Northern Indiana Bank, allowing her to be there for her children when they returned from school. She made countless sacrifices to ensure her family felt loved and supported. Throughout her life, Sharon's Catholic faith was her guiding light. She was a devoted parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso volunteering as a Eucharistic minister while finding solace, community, and strength in her faith.
In 2000, Sharon and Ronald both retired, embarking on a new chapter of life together. Ronald enjoyed a few years of retirement before falling ill and passing away in 2014. Sharon's strength and resilience carried her through these difficult times. She spent a couple of years living independently, finding solace in her faith, her bridge group, adventures with her close friends, and the love of her daughters and grandchildren. Eventually, she made the bold decision to move to South Carolina to be closer to her son and his family, reuniting all three of her children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren in the Carolinas, with the exception of her grandson, Jacob (Madison) Moore, who resides in Portage, Indiana.
Sharon is survived by her loving sister, Patricia (Harvey) Levin; her devoted children: Kevin (Renee) Kozlowski of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Tina Kozlowski of Indian Trail, North Carolina, and Elizabeth Young of Indian Trail, North Carolina; her cherished grandchildren: Michael (Addi) Kozlowski, Katelyn (Cam) Smith, Jacob (Madison) Moore, John Young, Jr., and Maddie Young; and her adored great-grandchildren: Piper Smith, Theodore Smith, Kruz Kozlowski, and Koby Kozlowski.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, Indiana, with a funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the American Heart Association. Her life was a testament to love, faith, and family. Sharon will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
GUESTBOOK
Sharon was a great mother, grandmother and wife of your family. It's bittersweet knowing she's gone but also knowing she is at peace now. -Jeff and Amber Moore
You Are at peace with the Lord. My sincere sympathy to all family members. -Patricia Horn
Condolences to Sharon's family, she was a very dear friend and classmate and will be missed, Love, -Claudette Cairns-Boyd and Gordon Boyd
