Sharon Lynn Tulpa of Elk Rapids passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021. Sharon was born on June 27th, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to Leslie and Marie Stepke. Sharon is survived by Louis Tulpa her husband of 65 years; her five children, Cliff (Diana), Greg, Kevin (Amy), Katherine (Phil), and Elizabeth; her sister, Marlene (Don) Cameron; and her three grandchildren, Brandon, Louis, and Sharon.

Sharon was an extraordinary woman with a life purpose to be a devoted wife to her beloved husband Louis and nurturing mother to her five children. She would always point out the positive view of life. She encouraged her children to know and feel how beautiful and strong they were, which enabled them to grow and follow their own life's path.

Sharon was deeply spiritual as a Christian. She was regularly active with the church where she sang with the choir and joined in bible studies. She was a Sunday-school teacher and loved the laughs and smiles from the children. Sharon was also a great friend, aunt, and member of the community. Her contagious smile lit up any room.

She was easy-going, creative, intuitive, believing life was full of mystic and wonderful meanings to explore. A talented artist, Sharon enjoyed painting. She loved nature, films, animals, writing and traveling. Sharon and Louis made sure to travel at least once a year. They went to every state in the nation including Alaska and Hawaii, and also travelled to the United Kingdom, Mexico, and the Czech Republic.

Sharon had a special way of finding water with her divining rod when looking for where to dig for a well – far more advanced than modern-day equipment that builders relied upon! She insisted that she could find water anywhere. We loved and encouraged her "special gift"!

We also remember how she always had a pet dog. She would spend hours in the night looking after new-born golden retriever puppies, then when they got old enough, would quietly say 'no, they're all sold' if she didn't think the family was right for them. That was her nature; caring, wanting the best and having a sense of knowing or wisdom.

Sharon loved to bake and won many 'Blue Ribbons' at fairs with her delicious baking. Her generosity and her homemade baked goods, at hand would make people's day. She was known as the "donut lady" for many years with the neighbourhood children.

She loved fishing and spent many early summer mornings with her children catching bluegills and sunfish using an old cane pole. Then taking the catch home and cooking them for breakfast.

Sharon had unconditional love and compassion. She was a 'pure soul' who always put the needs of others before herself. She had a heart of gold! She always gave to others and expected nothing in return.

Most admirable is the very special and dedicated bond between Sharon and her long-standing husband, Louis, who so often described Sharon as "the best wife any man could ever ask for. A gift from God and the true love of my life".

Loving Wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, you will be truly missed. Your light and "afterglow" that you have embedded in each of our lives will always light our paths. You will forever be a part of our hearts until we meet again.

Her loving family.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, with visitation from 12:30 PM until time of services.  Services will also be live streamed through Facebook Live. Please click here for the direct link.