Sharon Haley Fitzpatrick, 83, of Alden, MI, died Thursday, February 22, 2024, peacefully at her home surrounded by those she loved the most. Sharon's legacy lives on in the memories and relationships she nurtured throughout her life in New York and at Torch Lake with her children, their spouses, grandchildren, potential future spouses, family, friends, and an assortment of granddogs.

She was born on October 18, 1940 in Detroit to Gerard M. and Ada (Spoor) Haley.  Sharon grew up in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, her summers spent at Torch Lake. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart Academy followed by Barat College in Illinois and graduated from the University of Detroit.

On December 26, 1960 she married Paul Fitzpatrick. Paul and Sharon made their first home in Northwest Detroit, then relocated to the Northeast. They first moved to New Jersey before settling in Garden City, NY where they raised their four children. Sharon was a proud and dedicated full-time mother who added a full-time career after she began working for Manpower Temporary Services in 1976. She was truly a pioneer. In an era when it was not typical for women, she achieved a high level career at Manpower and ultimately led the New York City and surrounding offices as the Area Manager, New York. In 1993, she retired from her daily commute to Manhattan and, together with Paul, relocated to make her beloved Torch Lake their full-time home.

In 1996, Sharon and Paul opened a branch of The Larkin Insurance Agency in Elk Rapids. In 2000 they made it their own - The Fitzpatrick Insurance Agency.  The original company logo, the Irish Claddagh, illustrated the spirit Sharon brought to her life and her business: Love, Loyalty and Friendship. She treated each person that walked through her door like family. That personal touch was what set her apart and allowed her to build a successful and special business.

Sharon cherished her trips to Ireland and she attributed her gift of gab and strength of character to her deep Irish roots.  Though she often threatened to go live in a cottage on Dingle Bay, it was at Torch Lake where she created a truly magical place for her children and grandchildren (the "Hooligans") to come together and make countless memories. With her wickedly sharp wit, trademark wink, signature recipes and ability to control the weather, she captivated her grandchildren and cherished their visits. In every conversation with them, Gram showed a true appreciation for their goals and accomplishments. She was a cheerleader for each of them, celebrating their uniqueness while offering guidance, an ear to listen and always a straight answer. Her grandchildren are united in recognizing the incredible strength and enduring love of the woman they called Gram.

Sharon is survived by her children - Paul (Kathryn) Fitzpatrick of Northport, NY, Mary Beth Sullivan (John) Bilavsky of Cranford, NJ, Michael Fitzpatrick of Newtown Square, PA, and Peggy (Mark) Germain of Westfield, IN, her 11 grandchildren and the blessing of her first great-grandchild on the way; her siblings Michael Haley, Louise Haley and Mary Meier. She is now reunited with those who predeceased her - Paul J. Fitzpatrick, her husband of over 50 years, her parents, Gerard M. Haley and Ada S. Ryan, three siblings, Gerard M. Haley, Kathleen (Haley) Hannan, Patrick Haley.

The compassionate and excellent care she received from the Munson Home Hospice team, especially her nurse, Bernadette, will long be remembered as a gift that allowed her to pass exactly as she lived - entirely on her own terms. For this, her family is grateful.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday March 2 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Munson Home Hospice.

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Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com