1911-2008

Died January 16, 2008

Lake Leelanau – Florence V. Sharnowski, 97, of Lake Leelanau passed away Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008 at Tendercare of Leelanau. Florence was a true native daughter of Leelanau County. She was born Jan 14, 1911 in Provemont (Lake Leelanau), the daughter of Louis and Mary (O’Brien) Kirt. On June 13, 1933 in Lake Leelanau she married her loving husband of 37 years, Peter Sharnowski, who preceded her in death on July 14, 1970. Florence was a great mother and a hard worker with the responsibility of raising 11 children. She was a life long member of St. Mary’s Parish in Lake Leelanau.

She also worked as a personal cook for summer residents. Florence worked for 13 years at Burwoods. Florence is remembered as a wonderful quilter and baker. Her family loved her cinnamon rolls and hot, homemade bread. She had a wonderful sense of humor – Florence had to with her large family and seven boys! Florence was always a very upbeat lady who never got worked up over life’s trials. Her family and faith kept her on an even keel.

Florence is survived by her children, August (Barb) Sharnowski, Milford Sharnowski, Mary Lou Kelly, Thomas (Lyla) Sharnowski, Ronald (Elaine) Sharnowski, Joyce (Bob) Hallead, Jane Anderson, Francis (Brenda) Sharnowski, Virginia (Greg Shetteck) Petrosky, Mark (Linda) Sharnowski; a daughter in law, Loraine Sharnowski; siblings, Joseph Kirt, Margaret Peplinski; sister in-law, Edith Kirt, Inez Kirt; 31 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Jack Sharnowski, four brothers, Dennis, Arthur, Alfred and Donald Kirt, a sister, Edith Mathies and two grandchildren, Kenneth and Melody Sharnowski.

The mass was held Saturday, Jan. 19 at St. Mary’s Parish. Burial will be in the Spring in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The Rev. Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary’s Schools, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653; Mass Intentions or the Charity of One’s Choice.

Please sign Florence’s online guestbook at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.