Sharlene Cunningham

Passed away quietly at her home in Baldwin, Michigan early Wednesday morning, December 27, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Sharlene was born on October 31, 1942 to Robert and Mary Ann (Smith) Grant in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she spent her entire life until 2005 when she and her beloved late husband, Robert, purchased their property in Baldwin. Sharlene was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and later attended Western Michigan University. She worked for many years as a legal and paralegal secretary at multiple law firms, and then finished her career first as a medical transcriptionist at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, and then as a transcription supervisor there and later for Transcription Associates. She was married to her husband, Robert, for nearly 50 years, and they raised their children in Kalamazoo, where they continued to live for many years until moving to Baldwin. She volunteered as a reading tutor and at Shrine of the Pines after that move. Sharlene was an animal lover all her life, and was the devoted mother to several dogs and cats over many years. She also felt passionately about protecting wildlife and the environment, and was captivated by the many deer, birds, and other animals that visited their home in Baldwin. She and her husband loved to travel, and especially loved the Pacific Northwest, where their son lives. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Robert. She is survived by her sister, Kitty (Robert) Boodt, of Owosso; sons, Budd of Kaleva, and Terry of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Nicole (Harold) Mattox of Baldwin; cherished grandson, James, of Baldwin; and her beloved niece, Stormy Greenwalt of Owosso; as well as many other nephews, nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews. She was the shining star that guided us through the dark night, and her brilliance will illuminate our way forward all the remaining days of our lives. The family plans a private memorial later in the coming year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the ASPCA. Cremation Services entrusted to Verdun Funeral Home of Baldwin. 585 7th St. 49304. 231-745-4680