Sharon M. Cathelyn, 63, of Geneseo, passed into God’s loving arms Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Trinity Rock Island. A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 am Monday, April 23 at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, Geneseo. Rev. Michael Pakula will celebrate. Burial will be in the St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Atkinson. Visitation for Sharon will be from 3:00 – 5:00 pm Sunday at Vandemore Funeral Home Ltd., Geneseo; and a Scripture Service will be held at 4:45 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to St. Malachy’s Catholic Church or Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education.

Sharon was born on February 1, 1949 in Geneseo, the daughter of Kenneth E. & Lucille L. (Lievens) Cathelyn. She was a 1967 graduate of J.D. Darnall High School and graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1971 with a BA degree in Elementary Education. Sharon was a 1st grade teacher for 34 years at East Coloma Grade School in Rock Falls, retiring in 2005. She was a member of St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, First Grade Teachers Group and Retired Teachers Group. Sharon enjoyed crafting, sewing, flower gardening, and her Thursday Night Group. She adored her nieces, nephew, great niece and great nephew.

Survivors include her parents Kenneth & Lucille Cathelyn, Geneseo; brother Vernon (Karen) Cathelyn, Geneseo; nephew & nieces Eric (Stephanie) Cathelyn, Indianapolis, IN; Laura Cathelyn, Des Moines, IA; Lisa Cathelyn, student at Marquette University; great niece & nephew Lilly & Hunter and aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, two uncles and two aunts.