Sharon K. Heikkila

Sharon Kay Heikkila, 67, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Sharon was born on October 14, 1952 in Hancock, Michigan, to the late Donald and Judith (Koski) Heikkila. She graduated from Royal Oak Dondero High School. After high school Sharon attended Michigan State University. She later received a Master’s Degree in early childhood development from Rowen University. She had been employed as a Preschool Teacher and Center Director of the Head Start Program in Camden County, New Jersey. Sharon is survived by a daughter, Karen (Jed) Gustafson and a son, Bryan Basco. Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Clark Gustafson, Axel Gustafson, Deklen Basco, Ashton Basco, Cassandra Basco, Rylee Basco, Osmund Basco and Thorson Basco. As well as a brother, Kevin (Kathy) Heikkila, a niece Kirsi Heikkila, a nephew, Nathan Heikkila and an aunt, Margie Johnson. She was preceded in death by a brother, David Heikkila. As a young lady, Sharon participated in many school activities including theater, foreign exchange programs, Women’s Glee, Choir and the Spanish Club. She was an amazingly compassionate person who loved to learn from others and share in live experiences. Sharon became an active member of her school districts and communities in both Michigan and New Jersey. She lived life to the fullest with her family. From organizing jump rope-a-thons and building elementary school playgrounds, to being an advocate for special needs and the under privileged, there was nothing she wouldn’t do to help the children in her communities. Unfortunately, Sharon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 35 during a time when not much was known about the disease. Despite this, Sharon was determined to do the best she could with what she was given and spent many years helping others with MS by raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. As the years passed, she remained strong and continued to dance, sing and laughed with no regrets as long as she could! Sharon will be remembered as a lively spirit with a “Kewpie Doll” face, warm kisses and a loving heart. Her contributions to those she knew and the communities she loved will also never be forgotten. Sharon’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, staff and caregivers at Grand Traverse Pavilions for providing such amazing care for over eight years. They showed Sharon love and respect from the very beginning, and every day after that, for which they feel blessed for. Sharon’s closest kin would also like to thank and recognized another very special person, Kathy Heikkila, for her years of love, support and direction in Sharon’s care. Our Lord’s angel has returned home, full of glory and grace. We pray Sharon has found her dancing shoes once again and her heart is warmed with Jesus’ loving embrace. In accordance with Sharon’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Sharon’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Sharon K. Heikkila

October 14, 1952 - May 9, 2020