In Loving Memory of

Sharon Beay (Kirchner)

May 25, 1948 — June 13, 2026

Sharon Beay (Kirchner), age 78, of Germantown, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 25, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sharon was the cherished daughter of Gordon and Clara Kirchner.

Sharon is survived by Allen, her loving husband of fifty-nine years, and their sons, David (Pam) and Brett (Milisa); proud grandmother to Jacob, Ali, William, and August; her brother, Gerald (Jean) Kirchner; and stepbrother, Raymond (Karen) Leidy. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Clara, and her stepmother, Ruth.

For anyone who knew Sharon, they know she lived by the song lyrics of “I Hope You Dance,” the 2000 hit by Lee Ann Womack. It was a motto she lived by — decorating her garden with these lyrics and encouraging her grandchildren to live by these words: I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.

She was a benefactor of the arts and had a passion for supporting local artists, both by collecting and by creating her own art. She curated her home like a museum, finding ways to incorporate pieces she fell in love with. She won first place at a miniatures doll and dollhouse show held at Mayfair Mall in the late ’70s.

She was a lover of all things chocolate and enjoyed baking — famous for her Chocolate Pudding Pie, Chocolate Sour Cream Loaf Cake, “Killer Brownies,” Christmas cookies, pumpkin bread, and many, many birthday cakes. She enjoyed sharing her sweet treats with family, friends, and neighbors, and would test new recipes until she perfected them, including her specialty cheesecake.

Sharon wasn't just a hall-of-fame shopper, she was the best! She found deals everywhere, all the time. If you mentioned needing something, she would find exactly what you needed — on sale — in a matter of days, sometimes hours. She loved finding incredibly unique pieces of furniture and bringing new life to them. Whether family or friend, you most likely have a beautiful piece of her handpicked collection.

Above all else, she was a great mom and an exceptional grandma who passionately valued her grandchildren's lives and futures — going to museums with Jacob, taking Ali swimming, baking cookies with William, and finding Camp Onaway for August. She took all of them on shopping excursions to craft fairs, thrift stores, and malls, instilling in them the value of a deal. She was generous with those she loved and wanted the best for her family. Her lasting legacy: when you have the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, please support your local artists or make a donation to Camp Onaway.

Online: Boys & Girls Brigade

Mail: 108 W Columbian Ave, PO Box 665, Neenah, WI 54957

Phone: 920-725-3983

Celebration of Life

September 26, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Rotary Park

Shelter One

N86W14230 Fond du Lac Ave,

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051