Sharron McCarthy Meisenhelder

Sharron McCarthy Meisenhelder, 77, of Kalamazoo, Michigan died on November 3, 2024, from complications of her Breast Cancer treatment and Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Sharron was born in Brockton, Massachusetts to Lorraine C. and Donald J. McCarthy. After growing up on USAF bases throughout the country, Sharron attended North Texas State University and graduated from the University of Great Falls in Montana. She received a Master’s Degree in Communications from Western Michigan University. 

Sharron’s ability to connect with others served her well in a variety of endeavors. Her favorite was as Communication and Development Director at The Montessori School in Kalamazoo where she enjoyed sharing the school’s philosophy and seeing the children flourish. 

Sharron was community-minded and participated in organizations dedicated to empowering women and making positive changes in people’s lives. She served on the board of The Kalamazoo Center for Independent Living, volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation, and was a member of Women in Communication and the American Association of University Women. 

Sharron did not allow her chronic diseases to dampen her fun or affect her family relationships. She will be remembered as a most caring mother who organized 4-leaf clover hunts, pot and pan parades on New Year’s Eve, and her grandchildren’s holiday cookie baking. Hugs and laughter abounding. 

Sharron was preceded in death by her father, Donald J. McCarthy, her mother, Lorraine C. McCarthy, and her sister, Melia McCarthy. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert J. Meisenhelder II, her son Matthew Meisenhelder and wife Peggy Wang, her daughter Heidi Denick and husband Roger Denick, her brother Paul Horovitz and wife Betsey Horovitz. She truly loved her three grandchildren - Trevor, Sylvan, and Olivia who are sure to continue her traditions of Scrabble games, puzzles, and watching for fairies. 

Sharron will join her parents at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Program at The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center or The Arthritis Foundation.

U of M Breast Cancer Center Donation

Donate to the Arthritis Foundation