Sharon Elizabeth Bush

Sharon Elizabeth Bush

“When a person dies, a library burns down”

Sharon Elizabeth Bush loved life and her love of life was vital. She traveled to Europe and to Hawaii even when her health declined. She gave generously to her grandchildren-Taylor and Nicholas. And she made trips with her loved ones, to her loved ones. She drove her 2000 BMW Z-3- a Valentine's gift from her husband, John, whenever she could. 

Sharon was charitable-especially to animals and animal causes. She directed her brother to stop and get food for a homeless man and his dog last February. From the time she was a little girl, Sharon hated Westerns because of the horses getting hurt. 

She gave freely to causes that touched her heart but she knew how to stretch a dollar to keep her children going-and the lights on. Sharon made sure her immediate family was taken care of and that her 3 year old great nephew had a new winter coat. 

Her work ethic showed in her many jobs, her varied careers. She worked in retail when she was in high school. She was a “Hot Pants Girl” for the Phillies and a dental assistant. She was a real estate agent for years and she ended her work life as a caregiver. A combination of health problems, and the security that John's hard work afforded her, kept her from working in the last few years. 

For Sharon it was better to give than receive. She made sure that her daughter and grand kids had comforts that were absent in her early life. She spent freely on her family but bought stuff for herself at the cheap store. 

Sharon was smart in a grounded, no-nonsense way. She was strategic and careful with money. She was quietly worried about being poor- a holdover from the uncertainties of her early life. She didn't flaunt her prosperity but she didn't hide it, either. She and John had an extensive trip every year but she only told her travel stories to those close to her. 

Her marriage to John Bush brought many of her life's potentials to fulfillment. Even through her many health problems she was able to give her vibrant spirit to her family. 

It was gratifying to hear her acknowledge her good fortune. 

She had a mischievous sense of humor. When she felt ignored at an informal union gathering a few years ago she asked a young woman who was focused on her phone “Do you want to see pictures of my handsome Hawaiian boyfriend?” The young woman-who knew that Sharon was married to John- was cautiously curious. Sharon showed her three photos of her brother's cat in Hilo!

Sharon was born on October 16, 1949 at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She moved several times in her early life as her newly divorced mother tried to find stability. A sudden move from government housing in Chester Heights to the exclusive town of Glen Ridge, NJ. changed her immediate situation- but it took many years for Sharon to free herself of her early life's limitations. 

The heavy weight of past troubles intruded in random ways. She'd take her daughter, Andrea, and her grand daughter, Taylor, to a grand weekend getaway on Rittenhouse Square then search for the cheapest gas she could find. 

Sharon took care of her appearance with regular manicures, then bought novels for fifty cents at a thrift store. Her friends included the Vietnamese manicurist who had undergone a kidney transplant, too. 

Sharon was nobody's fool and she could spot a phony from a mile away. And she was as close as life itself. 

Sharon is survived by her husband, John Bush; her daughter, Andrea Romaniello; son, Daniel Kellie; grand daughter, Taylor; grand son, Nicholas; and her brother, Randal McEndree. 

If Sharon had ever had her portrait done, stained glass would have been the best medium: vivid colors framed by dark edging. What better way to show all the facets of her complex life, with all of its shadows and light? 

Light streamed through Sharon Elizabeth Bush's life and her vital colors stay with us. We appreciate your interest in a personal visit, but services for Sharon will be private.

If you are moved to contribute financially, please send your donation to the Chester County SPCA- Sharon's favorite charity - https://bvspca.org/