Sharon Hardiman

MADISON - Sharon Ann Hardiman, age 75 of Madison Wisconsin passed away comfortably and peacefully on May 4, 2015 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

She was born March 29, 1940 in LaCrosse, the daughter of the late Mayme & Donald Johnson. Sharon graduated from LaCrosse Central High School in 1958. She married Robert M. Hardiman "Mike" on January 28, 1961 in Madison WI. They were married for 54 years.

Sharon started her career in sales at Gimbels department store in Milwaukee WI. When she married "Mike" she spent some time at home starting her family. In the early 70's Sharon decided that she wanted to get back into the workplace. When she made her decision, she went back to work with spunk and determination-she was a natural at sales and marketing. She worked her way up from a part-time sales person for the "Mariannes" (Petrie Company) women's clothing stores based in Newark, New Jersey, to District manager of several company stores in Illinois and Wisconsin. When the Petrie Corporation closed all of their stores, Sharon decided she liked furniture. She promptly started a new career in furniture sales. Sharon worked at the Showplace Home Furnishings store, Sears Home Life store, and finally retiring from Rubin's Furniture in 2005. Sharon was a much beloved friend and co-worker to all who crossed her path. At work Sharon was fondly nicknamed "The Straight Lady from the West side."

In her retirement years Sharon liked to garden. Her yard and gardens were a source of great pride. More importantly, Mom lived her life with dignity and grace and a remarkable amount of integrity. She had a wonderful and somewhat wicked sense of humor, but most of all she had a very generous heart; she loved her family and friends unconditionally! Her grandchildren: Clark, Sara, Cooper and her grand dog Sherman were her special loves!

Sharon is survived by her husband "Mike"; her daughters, Leslie Hardiman and Renee Heine; her grandchildren Clark, Sara, and Cooper Heine and her special grand dog Sherman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald & Mayme Johnson, and her sister Mary Smith.

A public memorial celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Agrace HospiceCare located at 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison WI 53711.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. or The Dane County Humane Society.

The family wishes to thank the "Angels" at Agrace and the wonderful nursing staff at Meriter Hospital.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434