Sharon Kaye Diaz A resident of Ionia since 1969, passed away on May 28, 2016 at the age of 76. After years of illness, Sharon died peacefully in her sleep due to complications from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The daughter of Thomas and Christine (Burris) Sousa, Sharon was born on January 18, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for her positive outlook on life, her sense of humor, and her fierce capacity for love and loyalty, Sharon brought joy to family and friends and was renowned for her generosity. Among other things, Sharon was a wonderful cook, a voracious reader, a moviephile, and a dog lover. She loved Christmas. Sharon had a mad crush on singer Josh Groban, a life-long love affair with lemon meringue pie and seafood of any kind, and a more recent fascination with the cable TV Food Channel. She was terrible at keeping plants alive, it's still a puzzle to all who knew and loved her that she was able to keep seven children alive. Sharon was a treasured friend to many and a loving and proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She gave us the love and strength necessary to take on this crazy world. She leaves as her legacy her seven children: Wade Anderson; Wendy (Sar) Dwa-Anderson; Penny Anderson; Scott (Cheryl) Anderson; Kurt Anderson; John (Melissa) Diaz; and Nina Diaz Hernandez; as well as 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and countless friends. Sharon was a member of the Catholic Church. She has asked that any memorial contributions be made to St Andrews Cathedral in Grand Rapids. Sharon's friends and family would like to thank Heartlands Health Care Center in Ionia, and the Spectrum-Butterworth Oncology and Neurology Departments in Grand Rapids for their care and kindness towards Sharon and her family during this difficult time. Memorial Services will be conducted by Pastor Cliff Allen at 1:00 p.m., Thursday June 2, 2016 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich St., Ionia. Interment will follow at Balcom Cemetery. The family will receive friends 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. On line condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.