Sharon P. Astleford

Sharon P. Astleford, of Eagan. Her ever-smiling spirit went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 9, 2016 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. She was 78. Sharon is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Richard; beloved children, Stuart, Matthew, Jason and Amanda (Aaron) Blotsky; grandchildren, Blake, Ellie and Lilly; brother, Dan (Orpha) Radford; sisters-in-law, Myrt Radford, Shellie Powley and Margaret Bing; many nieces, nephews and friends. A gradudate of the U of M, with a B.S. in Home Economics, Sharon used her great talents to serve as a Hospital Dietician, Professional Cateress and Homemaker. She was an excellent cook, locally renowned for her church mid-week meals, catered events, and elegant dinner parties. Holidays and celebrations were made magical with hand-made decorations and delicious dinners. Her beautiful gardens could have been featured in any gardening magazine, and she loved showing them off to guests at summer luncheons. She lived out her faith daily, and as a "pillar" of Peace Reformed Church, she volunteered at many events, and sang in the choir for over 40 years. She was active in many civic and charitable organizations as well. With her quick with and infectious laugh, Sharon filled the lives of her family and friends with joy and love, and it was reciprocated. Be it concert and moving outings with her husband or friends, book club meetings,k or hosting her grandchildren for sleep-overs, she enriched every life she touched. In her final year, she often exclaimed, "I've had a wonderful life!" and she did.