Sharon Lee Broeren, 81 of Walnut, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Rock River Hospice Home in Sterling surrounded by the love of her family.  Sharon was born on July 4, 1942, in Walnut, the daughter of Vernon and EvaDell (Anderson) Hoffman. She married Patrick Lee Broeren on September 30, 1961, at St. John the Evangelist’s Catholic Church of Walnut. Sharon worked as a bookkeeper at Kraft, Sohigro and most recently at Avanti Foods for 25 years.  While Sharon remained active on the family farm, she was an avid bowler and enjoyed gardening, quilting, knitting, sewing, and playing the slots. Sharon’s true passion was pouring her heart and soul into her family. She could be found hosting weekly Sunday lunches for her family or whipping up a batch of her famous chocolate chip cookies with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Patrick Broeren, one daughter, Pam (Glen) Turner; one son, Tom (Kamie) Broeren, all of Walnut; one sister, Vicki L. Parsons, of Belvidere; four grandchildren, Jessica (Mark) Morris, of Walnut, Rebecca (Ben) Shepherd of Princeton, Alec Broeren (Danee Miskimen), of Walnut and Amelia (Layton) Garringer, of Williamsburg, IA; eight great grandchildren, Aidan, Christopher, Mia, Lincoln, Arya, Oaklynn, Hunter, Jack along with several nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn (Kenneth) Johnson; brother-in-law, Jerry Parsons; and son-in-law, Jeff Payne. 

It is fitting that Sharon passed during the Christmas season as this was her favorite time of year. Sharon embodied the Christmas spirit year-round bestowing love and generosity on all she met. This holiday season, in lieu of a memorial or flowers, please spread some Christmas joy and think of Sharon.

Per Sharon’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in honor of her birthday on July 4th, 2024, in Walnut. The Celebration details will be announced at a later date.