Obituary: Sharon A. (Forbes) Parkinson

MADISON - Sharon A. Parkinson, age 69, passed away at the HospiceCare center in Fitchburg on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, after a short, but courageous battle against gallbladder cancer. She was born on Dec. 14, 1940, in Madison, the daughter of Edward and Catherine (Hewitt) Forbes. Sharon grew up in Madison and graduated from Central High School. After many years working for AT and T, she retired in 1995 to care for her first grandchild. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved spending much time with them. She cooked for them, read to them, and even went to the park to shoot a few hoops with them. Sharon's family and friends were the center of her life and she was happiest when she was with them. Sharon was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and loved reading, especially Stephen King novels. She is survived by a son, Mike (Janis) Parkinson of Verona; a daughter, Lynn (Tim) Maglio of Madison; four grandchildren, Samantha and Ashley Maglio, and Nicole and Corey Parkinson; two brothers, Ed (Pat) Forbes of Madison, and John Forbes of Madison; and brother-in-law, Jerry Parkinson of Madison. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends; and special family friend, Sally Johnson of Madison. She was preceded in death by her son, Curt in 1992; former husband, Darrell "Obie" Parkinson in 2004; along with her parents and grandparents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Ron Kreul officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison. A visitation will be held at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and again at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. We would like to extend a special thank you to the HospiceCare staff for taking such good care of our Mom. "We will miss you Mom. You were our best friend and always there for us when we needed help. We will miss your home cooked meals and good advice. There is a huge hole in our hearts that will never be replaced. You would never say good-bye, instead it was 'toodles.' So toodles for now, until we see you again. We love you Mom." Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 2009