Sharon Marie (Hlad) Kiernan

Sharon Marie (Hlad) Kiernan, surrounded by her family, met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as she passed into the Eternal Kingdom on November 21, 2023.

Sharon, the oldest of four children, was born on July 2, 1950, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Joseph and Virginia (Prusiecki) Hlad. She was a 1968 graduate of Morton High School in Hammond, Indiana.

Sharon married John Joseph Kiernan, Jr., on September 8, 1973, recently celebrating 50 years of marriage. Sharon was an enthusiastic homemaker, supporting John in his business and raising their three sons. Sharon served as an executive secretary for Inland Credit Union as well as an elementary special education instructional assistant for West Lake Special Education Cooperative. She dedicated over 20 years to her work with special needs students, and though this work was sometimes challenging, Sharon delighted in the rewarding experience of helping countless young children learn and grow.

Rain or shine, Sharon was devoted to supporting her sons' many activities. Her signature "cheers" could be easily heard from the stands, no matter the sport or score. Sharon also enjoyed hosting family, friends, and neighbors in her home. She loved music and dancing and had many stories of quick trips to Chicago for impromptu concerts or evenings on the town.

Of all the roles Sharon sacrificially served in, her most treasured role was that of Grandmother, or as her grandchildren called her, "Mimi." She continued to enthusiastically cheer on the sidelines of soccer games and in the audience of many dance recitals and choir concerts. She loved to receive photos of her grandchildren and had a special place reserved for all of them in her home.

Sharon and John, lifelong residents of northwest Indiana, moved to Carmel in 2021, in order to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. During the winter months, they also enjoyed many vacations with family and friends to warm, sunny places.

Sharon was a devout Catholic and treasured her deep and abiding faith in the Holy Trinity. She was a faithful member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (St. John, Indiana), St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church (Schererville, Indiana), and more recently, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (Carmel, Indiana).

Sharon is survived by her husband of 50 years, John, her mother, Virginia Hlad, her brothers Randy (Cindy) Hlad, Rod (Debbie) Hlad, sons Brent (Katie), Bryan, and Andrew (Allyson), and 8 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph, and sister, Sandra (Hlad) Geisting.

Friends are invited to call at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on Monday, November 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., with a Mass of Resurrection to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sharon's name to one of the following charities: Riley Children's Hospital, The Share Foundation, Village of Merici, or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Mercy Center.