Mary “Sharon” McEleney, age 85, passed away May 29, 2023 following a brief illness at her home. Cremation rites have been accorded. At her request, no services are planned with a private gathering will be planned for a future date. Sharon’s remains will be interred at the Garden of Eternal Memory Cemetery at the Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel in Sun City West, Arizona. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to G.M. Solberg Wildlife Rescue in Clinton.
Mary was born on September 8, 1937 in Clinton, IA to Everett A. & Theresa “Ruth” (Nichols) Streit. She attended Our Lady of Angels Academy and Clinton High School where she graduated in 1955. Sharon attended the College of St. Catherine in St Paul. She married James “Jim” McEleney Sr. on November 12, 1958 at St Irenaeus Church, Clinton. She held jobs at various locations over the years to include: Van Allen’s, E.I. DuPont, Heritage Motors & “The Wester” newspaper in Sun City West. She enjoyed traveling and cooking and was a member of numerous local social and civic organizations. They moved to Sun City West, Arizona, following Jim’s retirement in late 1987. He died in September 2001.
In July 2020, Sharon moved back to Clinton. Shortly following her return, she was reunited after 64 years, with her high school sweetheart, longtime Clinton resident, Dr. Robert Blohm. The two enjoyed the last two and a half years with each other’s companionship and happiness including hours upon hours of playing cards, watching television and reminiscing. Sharon was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Clinton.
Sharon is survived by her children; Maureen McEleney of Fort Myers, Florida, Kevin McEleney of Clinton, Darin (Ursula) McEleney of Odessa, Florida, Kelly (Bill) Schemers of Clinton, and James “Jamie” McEleney Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona, 19 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Sean, and a great-grandson, Jerry Stewart.
