Obituary of Sharon Jean Gilbert

Sharon Jean Gilbert, 64 of Ocala, Florida passed away on September 23, 2023 at HCA Ocala Hospital.  She was born August 1, 1959 in Elgin, Illinois; daughter of the late James and Patricia McMahon.  Sharon is survived by her husband, Michael Allen Gilbert and a loving mother to Megan Gilbert and grandmother of Megan and Eduardo’s children, Emily and Matteo. 

Sharon grew up in Huntley, Illinois with her 5 brothers and sisters:  the late Teresa Morrow, James McMahon, Julie McMahon, Donna Green, and Daniel McMahon.  As a youth Sharon was involved in community activities such as 4H earning various awards at the McHenry county fair.  

Upon completing high school, she enlisted in the US Women’s Army Corps and served at various military bases as a transportation coordinator and administrative specialist.  While in the army she married Michael in 1978 and Megan was born in 1981.  She then acquired a technical degree in computer science. 

Sharon was talented in many crafts, such as, woodworking, quilting, knitting, weaving, tatting, stained glass, painting, and especially cooking. She was an active volunteer in every community she moved to.  Her favorite community service activity was cuddling premature babies in the NICU.  Sharon received many service awards and was recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She was Volunteer of the Year for 2010 - 2012 while at the US airbase at RAF Alconbury in the United Kingdom.  Not only did she make others feel special, but she herself was extraordinarily selfless.  She always cared for others and sought ways to make people smile and feel loved.   

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2 pm on Friday September 29, 2023 at Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church 4047 NE 21^st Street Ocala, FL 34470.  Interment will be at a later date.   

The family will receive friends following the service at the Gilbert residence in Ocala, FL.  The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church and/or the Ocala Fire Rescue Administration by contacting them directly at 352-629-8306.