Sharon Anne (Porta) Kolacny

Sharon Anne (Porta) Kolacny - Wife, Mother, teacher, singer, devoted Catholic, and kind hearted soul who loved to laugh - died on Tuesday June 27, 2023.

Sharon grew up primarily in South Bend, Indiana with her brother John, and parents Mildred and AJ Porta, who was an executive at Studebaker automotive. She enjoyed attending Notre Dame football, Indiana high school basketball games, Catholic services, and music - a joy that would be with her throughout life.

While her brother John would opt to stay local and attend Notre Dame, Sharon fell in love with the mountains of Colorado and chose University of Colorado at Boulder to pursue a degree in Music. It was there she met Tom Kolacny, whom she married and spent over 50 years with until his passing in 2013.

Many remember Sharon for being the loving mother of three children and helping husband Tom build and run Grand Junction's Tiara Rado golf course. Others through her dedication to the Catholic faith and support of humanitarian efforts. And always there was music - which she taught in local schools, enjoyed attending performances of, and performing herself. Sharon sang with Sweet Adelines International in Boulder, Grand Junction, and Scottsdale, Arizona and directed the Grand Junction chapter before she and Tom moved to Arizona.

Sharon instilled in her children a lifelong love of learning and provided support to pursue the things they were passionate about - be it golf, music & art, teaching, or a family of their own.

Sharon is survived by her three children Kristie (Kolacny) Fowler, Karrie (Kolacny) Jeffris, and Tim Kolacny; her brother John Porta; and three grandchildren Kira Jeffris, Paul Jeffris, and Matilda Jeffris. Those wishing to contribute something to the memory of Sharon are encouraged to make a donation to any local music education program or Sisters of the Holy Cross.