Obituary of Sharon (Shari) Kay Gibson

Sharon (Shari) Kay Gibson, 72, a beloved grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, died peacefully at her daughters home in Darien, CT on December 8th surrounded by loved ones after a four week battle with cancer. The daughter of Samuel and Florence (Wickwire) Gibson and the second oldest of 4 daughters, she lived her early years on the family farm in Fullerton, ND. After graduating from Fullerton High School in 1965, she attended Josephs School of Hair Design in Fargo, ND. She worked in the industry for several years before returning to Josephs as an instructor. She later attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND and went on to work administrative positions in various healthcare agencies before embarking on a new adventure in Western ND in 2005. During the Bakken Oil Boom, she took on the role of manager of the 2 7/8 Bar in Killdeer, ND. With her leadership and management, she grew the business from a working deficit to an immensely profitable business. She loved this job and the hundreds of patrons that frequented the establishment. She retired in 2015 and moved to Enderlin, ND to care for her mom. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed Christmas baking with her grandkids, gardening, shopping, long walks, and sunny beach days. Her kindness and willingness to listen or drop everything to help a friend in need has left a legacy of positivity with those who were part of her life. More than anything, she loved her daughters and grandchildren. She spent all of her vacations creating beautiful memories that they will cherish forever. Sharon is survived by her daughter Shelly (Russ) Smith of Darien, CT and grandchildren, Emery, Andrew, Evan, and Aiden Smith; her daughter Sherry (Travis Carlson) Massengale of Killdeer, ND; granddaughter Jami (Henry Hongerholt) Johnson of Fargo, ND; great-grandchildren Gracie and Emery Hongerholt; her sister Jan (Tim) Lulay of Sheldon, ND; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Florence Gibson; and her sisters, Judy Taylor and Shirley Orn-Weaver. Sharon will be remembered at a private family memorial. In honor of her life as an empowered, independent, hard-working single mother and in her spirit of willingness to help others, donations in her memory may be made to the YWCA at YWCA.org. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820