Obituary of Sharon Ann Janhonen

In Loving Memory of Sharon A. (Tulley) Janhonen September 13, 1946 – February 7, 2025 Sharon A. (Tulley) Janhonen, 78, of Owego, NY, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025. She was a beloved member of her community, known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Sharon leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith, touching countless lives during her lifetime. Born on September 13, 1946, Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Rudolph "Bud" Tulley, her mother, Ethel Hall Nace, and her brother, Terry Tulley. She is survived by her three children: Jami Dennis of Bentonville, Arkansas, John Janhonen of Sayre, PA, and Paula Janhonen-Knaul (Mark) of Hebron, Indiana. Sharon also leaves behind nine grandchildren—Chris, Nick, Ivy, Caleb, Georgia, Kim, Karyn (Amanda), Chase, and Frannie (Noah)—and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Raised in Ithaca, NY, Sharon graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964 and attended CCBI in Syracuse, NY, where she trained as a legal secretary. She also worked at New York Telephone before moving to Waverly, NY. Sharon, a dedicated mother, worked tirelessly to pursue her nursing degree while raising her children. She attended Corning Community College and Elmira College, eventually serving as a compassionate RN at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, working many years on 6 Main before specializing in Dialysis care and Women's Health. Sharon was a passionate advocate for patient education, training healthcare professionals throughout the Southern Tier. As an early advocate for AIDS awareness, she was a champion for compassionate care for those affected by the virus. After retiring, Sharon embraced the role of "Nana," traveling the country to spend precious time with her grandchildren and create lasting memories. She remained a trusted advisor and prayer warrior to her family and friends, always offering wisdom, love, and support. Sharon's commitment to her community was unwavering. She volunteered for several outreach programs, including the Tioga County Drug and Alcohol Task Force. A woman of strong faith, Sharon attended North Waverly Chapel during her children's younger years and most recently, Owego First Baptist Church, where she served on the Deacons Board, as co-librarian, and with the Sunbeam Circle. Her passion for fighting food insecurity led her to support various anti-hunger initiatives. Sharon's creativity shone through in her cooking, arts, and crafts, leaving behind a legacy of cherished recipes, vibrant paintings, knitted baby blankets and beautiful quilts. Her zucchini relish recipe, which won Grand Champion ribbons in two states and second place at the Arkansas State Fair, is just one example of her dedication and talent. Beyond her culinary and artistic pursuits, Sharon enjoyed bowling and dancing, activities that brought her great joy and were shared with those she loved. Her selfless nature extended to her community, where she offered her time and support through donations, food banks, and a kind listening ear. Sharon's legacy calls us to serve others with compassion, to share what we have with an open heart, and to extend kindness without expectation. In honoring Sharon's wishes, there will not be an official funeral or memorial service. Instead, friends and family are invited to join her children for Sunday service at Owego First Baptist Church, 228 Main St, Owego, NY 13827, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Following the service there will be a fellowship gathering with some of Sharon's favorite refreshments and a food drive in her honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tioga County Rural Ministries, 146 Central Ave, Suite 2, Owego, NY 13827. Sharon will be laid to rest in Highland Memorial Cemetery in Altamonte Springs, Florida, alongside her father.