Obituary of Catherine E. Sharp

Catherine Elizabeth Sharp passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021, 10 days before her 94th birthday, at the Vineland Veterans Memorial Home. In this time of Covid she was surrounded by her long-time caregivers. She and her husband had been VA residents since January 2007 when they required additional medical support. Catherine was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She resided with her maternal aunt and uncle. After graduation, she was an assistant in her Aunt's salon and spa. She met her future husband, Joseph Sharp, while he was stationed at the Naval base in Chicago. They later relocated to New Jersey where they raised their three children. Catherine and Joe were married for 63 years prior to his death in 2008. Catherine was a devoted, caring mother to Bet, Joyce and Joseph. If the neighborhood kids were ready to go sledding, she was there. A car full of kids to the Ocean City beach several times a week, no problem. An auto accident in her mid-thirties limited some of her physical activities but only instilled in her the desire to overcome the challenges in her future. No one doubted her resilience or counted her out when she recovered from Covid at 93. She was a caregiver for her in-laws as their aging presented many challenges. She and her husband renovated their home to accommodate them until they required medical supports. After they moved to long term care, she continued to spend time with them daily until they passed away. Catherine was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Joseph; son, Joseph Sharp Jr; granddaughter, Nicole Weldon and sons-in law, Greg Chiarello and Ted Kinney. Catherine is survived by daughters, Joyce Chiarello and Elizabeth Kinney and daughter in-law, Dora Sharp; grandchildren, Tara Chiarello (Alan Hanstein), Jennifer Chiarello, John Kinney, Todd Kinney (Wendy), Meg Kinney Johnson (John), Beth Sharp Alcorn, Hope Eatmon (Jamie), Jill Sharp Rodriquez (Noel) and Dawn Mutalemwa. Catherine had 10+ great grandchildren including Dustin Chiarello, Phoebe Baldasarre, Olivia and Trevor Weldon, Madeline and Jack Kinney, Tyler Kinney and Max and Ben Johnson. She also had several great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland, NJ. Services will be private at Brig. General William C Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown in the spring. A memorial service will be held for both Catherine and Joseph together as they requested. In this time of Covid our family wants to offer a special thank you to all who became her family during this challenging year. The staff of the VA at every level treated her with kindness and caring. The team from Bayada of Inspira made her feel like a queen with all the visits and special attention. All staff placed phone calls and Facetime visits with family as no in-person visits were possible. They were always responsive to the many calls and inquiries from family. We will never be able to sufficiently thank them, but we hope at some safe time in the future to be able to gather in person to celebrate these angels.