Sharon Lee Sokolowski Bolin
Sharon Lee Sokolowski Bolin of Cleveland Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on July 17th, 2022. She was born to the late Arlene and Walter Sokolowski. Preceded in death by her daughter Tammy, her beloved siblings Valerie, Eddie and Wally, and the love of her life, Michael Bolin. Cherished sister to Kim Sokolowski, mother to Tina, Michelle (Chell-Z) & Chris, step mother to Michelle (CD) and Jessica. Adored by her grandchildren, Alex, Rachel & Stefan, Anthony & Karlan, Lexi & Noah, and her great grandson Honey. Beloved Aunt and stand in mom to Shauna, Jennifer & Jessica and cherished aunt to many, many more nieces and nephews.
Ahead of her time, Sharon Bolin was a fierce champion of equality, progressivism and love, undefined by boundaries. An incredibly giving and caring daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and dear friend, she spread joy, empathy and compassion to all that she touched.
She lived her entire life in service of others. Being the oldest of seven children in her family she was eternally the big sister making sure everyone was clothed and fed and cared for while living her own life and began motherhood as a young teenager. She always had such an incredible work ethic and was valued everywhere she was ever employed. In her young adulthood with her own children in toe, she had a childcare business out of her home and cared for numerous children over the years. She called them her “babysittin' kids” and loved them and their parents as her own family. She worked later on at Elaine Powers as a fitness instructor and made such a big impact on so many women’s lives. She worked at MedNet Euclid Clinic in the late 80’s into the 90’s also making lifetime friendships with many of her co workers.
She went on to her longest held career at UniCare (Human Arc/Centauri) and helped the Cleveland community in need. She was the utmost dedicated and invaluable employee of the company she championed for 31 years. The company name may have changed a few times over the years but she did not waver in her devotion, even having license plates on her car that read “UNIMOM” because she truly was everyone’s mom at her company as well. Being on the “entertainment committee” she made sure EVERYONE always felt welcomed and included in an integral part of a larger cause. She made sure birthday cards and well wishes, holidays and events were enjoyed by all and she won “Best Costume” for Halloween many times sharing her creativity and joy for the things she loved. She truly was a child at heart and loved making others laugh and smile. She helped at women’s shelters, helped organize Habitat for Humanity events, bowled in leagues for charities, and too many other community supported festivities to list.
Sharon became fast friends with anyone and everyone she met. She was sassy and funny and wore her heart on her sleeve. She called herself SharonBolin as if it were one word and everywhere she went she always complimented people to make them feel better and have a bright spot in their day. She was a neighbor friend and grandma figure anyone would appreciate and always looked out for all of them. They became dear to her heart and she accepted them as part of her family as they did the same for her. Birthday parties, weddings, Christmas and the holidays were parties she loved to host and welcomed everyone with gifts and food and always a great time. She consistently opened her home as a safe haven and place to get on your feet for multiple family members and friends over the years everywhere she lived. Her most recent home that she was very proud of and made her heart so full and content was no exception. She couldn’t bear the thought of someone in need and the words “she saved my life” were so familiar and precious that our responses became “That’s just what she does.” She loved all things Elvis Presley, Looney Tunes, Harry Potter and adored her butterflies and roses. Above all, she took great pride and shared with complete enthusiasm her immense pride in those she held dear to her heart.
Per Sharon's wishes she did not want funeral services, only a Celebration of Life Party which will be held in the fall.