Sharon Bernath, age 80, of Farmington, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024.

Sharon was born December 3, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Carl and Adaline Bernath.

Sharon attended Michigan State University where she earned her bachelor's degree. As part of her program, she studied in Mexico and made friendships that endured her whole life. Sharon taught school for many years before taking a sabbatical to earn her master's degree in Library Sciences from the University of Michigan. She worked the remainder of her career as the school librarian at Adams Elementary School in Livonia, helping kids develop a love of books and reading. She traveled the world with friends, exploring different places and cultures, often selecting destinations so she could meet different children's book authors.

Sharon was an active member of the Farmington community. She played clarinet in the Farmington Community Band for many years. She served on the Historical Commission of Farmington for a decade. After she retired from teaching, she was a volunteer docent at the Governor Warner Mansion.

Inspired by Governor Warner, who served as Michigan governor in the early 1900's, Sharon founded the Warnerettes in 2009. The group is an all-female parasol drill team who dress as suffragettes, perform precision parasol drills and promote history. A highlight for Sharon each year was when the group marched in the Founder's Festival parade in Farmington. Sharon marched with the drum for the group, and once she was no longer able, she rode in a Model T behind the team, wearing her signature suffragette outfit.

Sharon was an avid reader. She loved to shop, to cook and always had a rescue dog in her home. She enjoyed spending time with her many friends with whom she shared countless cards, lunches and adventures.

Sharon enjoyed a close relationship with her sister, Carolyn. They enjoyed swapping books to read, trips to Ann Arbor, classical concerts, antiquing, Father Brown Mysteries and much more.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Adaline Bernath, and her brother-in-law, Jack Goodfallow. She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Goodfallow, her niece, Holly Allen, her nephew-in-law, Brian Ross, her beloved great-niece, Veronica Ross, and her many friends and neighbors who helped her lead a rich and happy life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23 at the funeral home.  Sharon's family will greet guests at 10 am followed by the service at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Farmington/Farmington Hills Education Foundation, 33000 Freedom Rd, Farmington, MI 48336, to the Sharon Bernath Scholarship.