- Date Of Birth: March 27, 1948
- Date Of Death: November 5, 2021
- State: Illinois
Sharon Ellen Thunell (nee Fayne), 73, of Maryville, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2021, at home surrounded by her husband and three children. She was born March 27, 1948, in Kearny, NJ.After graduating from Pope John XXIII High School, Sharon continued her education at St. Leo college in Florida. Sharon married her high school sweetheart Carl on April 12th, 1969, in Sparta, NJ. They spent more than 52 years together. Sharon was an Air Force spouse for over 20 years supporting her husband throughout all their moves.
She was blessed with three children, who she loved with all her heart, and she encouraged them throughout their lives to be good, honest, hardworking people. She instilled great values in them. Upon being stationed at Scott AFB and making their permanent home in O’Fallon, Illinois, she managed the cafeterias of Hinchcliffe Elementary, Marie Schaefer and Edward Fulton Junior High, where she made a difference daily in the lives of so many students in the O’Fallon School District. Sharon made an impact as a volunteer in the Catholic Sunday School program and Girl Scouts of America. She was also long-standing member of St. Nicholas Church in O’Fallon. After moving to Maryville, IL, she became member of the Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Sharon was much more than just a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.
As her children were growing up, she spent many years by volunteering in organizations and athletics that the children were involved with. She wouldn’t ever miss a game or recital they participated in. This did not change once Sharon became a grandmother. Her eight grandchildren were the love of her life. She would often attend Christmas programs, sporting events and dance recitals the grandchildren were in. Sharon was able to instill in them the importance of family and traditions. She shared her love of baking with all the grand-kids. Nobody could make better rolls at Christmas time than Grandma.
Sharon had an unconditional love that the world could use more of. She was an example of a life well lived, and she will be greatly missed by all who were touched by her. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Owen Francis and Helen Nora Fayne (nee McGrath). Sharon is survived by her beloved husband, Carl Thomas Thunell of Maryville, IL; three children, Shaun (Jennifer) Thunell of Marquette, MI, Carleen (David) Bendel of Glen Carbon, IL, and Christopher (Ann) Thunell of McKean, PA; one sister, Kathie (Alvern) Lostetter of Abiquiu, NM; and eight grandchildren Delaney Thunell, Ainsley Thunell, Owen Thunell, Moira Thunell, Cormac Thunell, Adler Bendel, Finley Bendel, and Seamus Thunell.
