Sharon "Shar" Helen (Cross) Kehr

UTICA – Sharon “Shar” Helen (Cross) Kehr, age 68, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, in the comfort of her sister’s home with her loving family by her side. Sharon was born in Hot Springs, AK, (where her father was stationed in the military) on August 13, 1953, to the late Harold N. Jr. and Gloria May (Leason) Cross. Sharon received her education in Massachusetts. She then furthered her studies, uniting it with her love for animals, by taking courses in Veterinary Medicine. Eventually, Sharon would relocate with her family to the Utica area. At one time, Sharon was married to Sheldon Kehr, and to that union came the blessing of three sons. Her first priority in life was to raise her three boys, whom she adored and of whom she was so proud. Sharon was always willing to help. She is remembered for never being mad or holding a grudge, as well as for her constant thoughtfulness. Sharon was a truly caring woman. She enjoyed a variety of hobbies; she took an amazing number of photos which she photoshopped, but Sharon particularly loved crafts. She had bins and bins of craft supplies. A very artistic woman, Sharon’s creativity found many happy outlets in creations. Sharon especially enjoyed crochet and knitting, which grew to be her trademark; she left behind numerous pieces made with love to remember her by. She also had a tremendous book collection of which she was proud—each book was kept meticulously. Sharon also delighted in going for long drives and would often take trips up north to stay in cabins, as well as just getting into the truck with her sister Barb to go for the ride. She was affectionately referred to as (((B’s)))) Sidekick. A very spiritual woman, she believed in God and always helping others. Sharon was a member of Centerpoint Church in Barneveld, NY. Sharon is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Shon and Diane Kehr, Sheldon “Rudy” Kehr, and Shane and Autumn Kehr. She will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Gabriel, and Damien. Sharon will be fondly remembered by her siblings and their loves, Christine Bridgeford, Robert J. Cross, Loretta “Red” Buccheri, Orra F. Cross and Carolina Realey, and Rose and Angel Gonzalez whom she was with through her struggle with cancer. She held close the memories of her sister, Barbara J. Mezzanini, Retired UFD who passed December 12, 2021 and was extremely missed by her; and her brother, Harold N. Cross III, who passed April 11, 2002. Sharon leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was blessed with the presence of her feline companions, Bonkers, Bree, and Sassy. Sharon was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Harold N. Sr. and Helen (Humphrey) Cross who lovingly helped raise her as a child; and her maternal grandparents, Charles Sr. and Ida (Clark) Leason. The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Oneida Cancer Center, Oneida City Hospital Emergency Department, Nurse Aubrey, as well as Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., for their care and compassion. In keeping with Sharon’s wishes, the family will honor and celebrate her life privately.

Sharon "Shar" Helen (Cross) Kehr

August 13, 1953 - August 5, 2022