Sharon E. Kulkaski

March 11, 1953 - July 8, 2021

Sharon Elizabeth Kulkaski - Heaven gained a sparkling angel on July 8th, 2021, as Sharon Elizabeth Kulkaski passed peacefully at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch at 68 years old. Sharon was born March 11th, 1953, in Milwaukee, WI to Valliant Straub and Elizabeth Pasek Straub. Her family moved to West Long Branch, NJ, after her father retired from the military, where Sharon and her surviving brother, Douglas Straub grew up. Sharon always knew she had a special calling to help others, which she followed, and graduated from William Patterson University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as a Registered Nurse ready for the Operating Room. She started her career at Monmouth Medical Center in the Operating Room, explored the country traveling with SLT Laser Company as a Laser Consultant and Education Program Manager and ended her nursing career at Community Medical Center working from the Operation Room, Pre-Admission Testing and Same Day Surgery. Dedicating her career to pursuing her dreams of helping others, Sharon was always involved in an organization and completing different certifications such as CNOR, BLS for Health Care Providers, American Heart Association, AORN, American Nurse’s Association and even writing a published chapter on “Laser Safety” for “Minimal Access, Surgery for Nurses and Technicians”. Sharon had the most infectious personality with the most inspirational and uplifting attitude of anyone you have ever met. She was always the optimist that everyone went to for an uplift in their spirits, even when Sharon was facing her own very difficult times. She could light up a room with her smile and touch your heart with the simple sound of her laugh. Many would say that Sharon had always put herself second to others and that she knew her lot in life was to be the optimistic and positive shining light for other people. She truly knew how to take care, support, and love others. Everyone who knew Sharon felt this radiating from her soul deep within. She was full of color and full of life. Sharon had a passion to love, to inspire and to enjoy life. She shared that passion with her surviving husband of almost 40 years, Richard Kulkaski. Richard and Sharon met on the shores of Atlantic Highlands Beach in Monmouth County as they loved to race sailboats and Hobie Cats together. Starting their life together, they soon ventured to Forked River, NJ. Throwing some very memorable fishing tournament parties, organizing the annual neighborhood Christmas Party, and simply enjoying moments on their back deck chatting with the neighbors, this is where they enjoyed the past 35+ years of their life together. They both enjoyed boating and traveling to many islands in the Bahamas and going up and down the intercoastal waterway from New Jersey to Florida. They share a daughter, Kiriane Kulkaski Johnson with husband, Galon Johnson and soon to be granddaughter, Harper Elizabeth. Sharon enjoyed every moment with her family creating very special memories that can never be forgotten. Some of her favorite places traveled, filled with memories were many trips to Florida with husband Richard visiting her daughter Kiriane and son in law Galon and to the Outer Banks with her brother Douglas Straub, sister-in-law Maryann Straub, niece Rachel and nephew Daniel with his wife Subi. Sharon had a large heart filled with lots of love for all those around her. She treasured all her friends and family dear to her heart. She was a spectacular and kind person that will truly be missed every day. As she watches over all of us from heaven above, Sharon is always in our hearts. Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Rd., Toms River will oversee the arrangements. All are welcome to join us for a Celebration of Life Gathering on September 25th, 2021 from 11:00am - 12:30pm at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home. The family will host a luncheon following the gathering at 1:30pm at Il Giardino's Restaurant in Forked River. Please RSVP via text or email for the luncheon to Kiriane at 609-661-0498 or [email protected]"