NEWPORT  -  Sharon Peterson Gante (May 26, 1945- December 9, 2023) breathed her last surrounded by the love of the family she built. Left to carry on her legacy is Peter, her husband and partner in all things, her son Todd and his children Chelsea, Nick, and Carly, her daughter Terri and son-in-law Lloyd, her granddaughters, Corrine (and Robert) Fitzgerald, Crissy (and Hans) Schulzke-Brown, Stephanie (and Joshua) Armstrong, and Samantha (and London) Pendergrass, and many members of her large Minnesota family. She also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Russell Joseph and Marcella Beatrice Iverson Peterson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Currin Marie Gante and her sister, Monaloi Joan O'Donnell.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 at 2:00pm at Swansboro United Methodist Church with Pastor Kevin Baker officiating.

She was, from the first, a woman who lived her life in the service of others. She in turns served as a mental health worker, founder and director of a community center, a court appointed child advocate, a nurse aide, and a birth doula-the role she took most pride in. She "fell in love with every baby she helped bring into this world, every single one". She was an active duty military spouse for over 40 years, and being part of the military gave her endless avenues for serving others. She was the kind of person who cooked and served meals to marines at the USO on Thanksgiving, and brought homemade cookies and hot chocolate to the on duty military guards on Christmas. She was a contributor to the book 'Thorns and Roses', a how-to guide to everything for military wives. She had a deep appreciation for the military culture, and took every opportunity to be involved in her community and make others feel welcome.

Though her soul has left this world, she will live on through the family she leaves behind. We vow to continue the traditions she valued. To be the sort of mothers and grandmothers who fill childhood with adventure and happy memories.

Rest in peace, Nana, and thank you for everything.