Sharon VanDenBerghe

Sharon Sue VanDenBerghe entered the presence of her Savior on June 27, 2018 after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. Sharon’s husband, children, and grandchildren surrounded her in her final hours.

Sharon was born on December 14, 1949 in Toledo, Ohio, to Archie and Shirley Box. She graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1967 and later, from Bowling Green State University with a degree in education. Sharon married Peter VanDenBerghe on February 25, 1970. Pete and Sharon spent the next 48 years in Northwest Ohio raising their three children and then welcoming their many grandchildren into the family.

Eager to share the wonders of God’s creation with others, Sharon taught both life and physical science for over twenty-five years. Her students remember her for the energy she brought to the classroom. She also had a passion for drama and directed many productions both at school and at church. Always one to be involved, Sharon played the organ at Bethany Baptist Church and sang in the choir until her health prevented her from doing so. She was an avid reader, often staying up late to finish the book she had gotten that day.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Peter VanDenBerghe; her mother, Shirley Box; her daughter, Jennifer (Kenneth) Matesevac; sons Peter (Jennifer) VanDenBerghe; and Nathan (Sharon) VanDenBerghe; 6 granddaughters and 4 grandsons; brothers, Philip (Linda) Box; and Steven (Diane) Box. She was preceded in death by her father, Archie Box.

Visitation for Sharon will be held on Monday, July 2, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM in the WRIGHT-HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME, 24084 W. Second Street, Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522. Tele: 419-832-2511. Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 from 9:30 AM – until the time of her funeral service at 10:30 AM at Bethany Baptist Church, 14070 Bailey Road, Grand Rapids. Sharon will be buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sharon’s honor may be gifted to The Next Step Inn at Bethany Baptist Church.

Hanneman Family Funeral Homes is honored to serve Sharon’s family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.