Sharon Gilmartin Kofsuske

Sharon Gilmartin Kofsuske
Sharon Gilmartin Kofsuske, 78, of Calabash, NC, wife of Peter Lawrence Kofsuske, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, surrounded by her immediate family. Born on November 23, 1946, in Meriden, CT, Sharon was the daughter of the late Jack and Dorothy Gilmartin. She spent her early years on Fairfax Avenue in Meriden, CT and attended Platt High School and Mount Saint Joseph's Academy from which she graduated in 1965. Sharon graduated from Elizabeth Seton College, located in Yonkers, NY. in 1967 with an associate's degree. She continued her education at Katharine Gibbs College in Boston, MA. After living for many years in both Meriden and Durham, Sharon and Peter relocated to Calabash, NC, where they have lived for years enjoying the warmth and sunshine.
Sharon was an avid crafter, sharing her talents with many of her family and friends. Her beautiful quilts have celebrated many moments such as births, weddings, and other important moments in others' lives. She also enjoyed knitting and creating handmade gifts for her loved ones taking special care to reflect the interests of those to whom she was gifting. Anyone who has received Sharon's decorated Easter eggs, knitted wear, and other crafts can attest to her talent and can appreciate the joy she took in making her creations. Over the years, many of her pieces of work won ribbons of distinction in the Durham Fair.
In addition to crafting, Sharon loved to read. Her library of books is tremendous, and she often shared her novels with others. She loved to spend time with family and friends who all appreciated her wonderful sense of humor and welcoming presence. Sharon had many lifelong friendships, from her childhood, high school, and college, often traveling to see these friends, both near and far. She was a fabulous hostess of countless Christmas Eve parties, "Gourmet Groups", and loved attending her grandchildren's events.
In addition to being an amazing wife and mother, Sharon worked on the weekends as a bank teller for Central Bank for Savings in Meriden. Following this, she spent the majority of her career working as a legal secretary for prominent local attorneys for whom she prepared real estate mortgage closing documents. Sharon was also an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Meriden where she served as a Minister of the Eucharist. She served as the President of the Meriden Girls' Club and was an active member of the Meriden Junior Womens' Club for many years.
Along with her husband, Peter, Sharon is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Kofsuske Norwell and her husband, Michael Norwell; and son, Kyle Kofsuske. She was affectionately known as "Gigi" by her two grandchildren, Christopher and Sydney Norwell. Sharon is also survived by her sister, Gail Gilmartin Godbout and her husband, Thomas Godbout Jr.; her sister-in-law, Jane Kszywanos and her husband, Charles, and her nieces and nephews, Stacey Wright Roberts, Wendy Wright Richards, Richard Wright, Michael Wright, Mark Kszywanos, and Matthew Kszywanos. Sharon also had two step-nephews, Dr. Thomas Godbout III and Joseph Godbout and many great nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may gather to honor Sharon's life during calling hours on Sunday, December 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 23rd at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, St. Joseph's Church, 22 Goodwill Avenue, Meriden, CT. Everyone is to meet at the church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.