Jean Alice (Goldsmith) Sharer of Hudson, WI, formerly of Janesville, WI, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Christian Community Homes of Hudson. 

Jean was born October 7, 1936, in Radisson, Sawyer County, Wisconsin, to Earl and Irene (Smead) Goldsmith. She was married to James T. Sharer on December 22, 1962 at Cargill United Methodist Church in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Jean graduated from high school in Cumberland, Wisconsin, and was Salutatorian of the Class of 1954. She was also a member of the school band and helped edit the school newspaper. Jean attended the University of Wisconsin – Superior graduating with honors in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in English with minors in Spanish and Library Science. While there, she sang in the Women’s Glee Club, A Capella Choir, and Madrigal Singers. She was a member of the College Honor Society, Wesley Fellowship, sorority president in 1958, president of the girl’s dormitory in 1957 and member of the President’s Cabinet in 1958.

In Janesville she was active in church and community affairs that included the Girl Scouts, President of the Janesville Y’s Mennettes in 1965, an auxiliary of the Janesville Y’s Men’s Club. For fifteen years, she directed the Blue Children’s Choir at Cargill United Methodist Church. Jean taught English at Marshall Junior High until the time the couple’s first child was born in 1964; from 1964 to 1976, she was a stay-at-home mom. In 1976 she returned to school at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater to complete a major in Library Science and Media Specialist, taking a position with the elementary school in McFarland, Wisconsin, in that capacity. 

In Hudson, Jean was a member of the Hudson United Methodist Church, played in two bell choirs there and chaired a Shepherding Care Committee of the church. With her husband, Jim, she was active in assisting teaching environmental classes and volunteering at other events with the Friends Group at Willow River State Park.

Jean is survived by her husband, James; two daughters, Julia (Jeffrey) McLean of Ridgeway, WI, and Dr. Jane (Charles) Sharer-Maier of Woodbury, MN; four grandchildren, Alexander, Lauren, Luke, and James; two brothers, Van (Marjorie) Goldsmith of Jupiter, FL, and Kenneth (Joan) Goldsmith of Cobb, WI; one sister, Judy (Jim) Haupt of Amery, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Irene.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Ave., Hudson, WI, followed by a Memorial Service for Jean beginning at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be served following the Memorial Service.