Sharron Dane Gresens, 87, passed Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford. She was the wife of CAPT Larry W. Gresens, USN (Ret.), her husband of 65 years, and is survived by her three children – Gail, Barry and Bradley – and her five grandchildren – Keenan, Emily, Megan, Sarah and Laurel.

Sharron was born March 22, 1938 in California, the daughter of Richard and Francis Dane, and was subsequently raised in Biwabik, MN. Her great adventure began when she left the Iron Range of Northern Minnesota, trading the familiar woods for the bright lights of New York City to attend nursing school. It was there, as a proud and determined Registered Nurse, that she met the love of her life, Larry. They married in 1961, and Sharry’s nursing heart became the foundation of our family.

As a Navy wife, she turned "home" into a verb, moving her three children across the globe. From Japan to Panama and the Philippines, she was the steady hand through every transition. But she did more than just move house; she moved hearts. During those Navy travels, she discovered a deep calling to help those struggling with addiction, eventually opening her own addiction counseling center.

When she and Larry finally dropped anchor at Lake Meade in East Berlin, PA, Sharry found her paradise. For decades, she could be found lakeside: the woman in the bathing suit, sun-kissed and happy, tending to her legendary gardens while Larry fished nearby. Those weekends at the lake were the heartbeat of the family—a whirlwind of wet towels, grandchildren learning to swim, chaotic family dinners, and marathon card games.

Even after Larry passed in 2004, Sharron’s light never dimmed. She stayed in her "waterfront heaven" for twenty more years, fueled by her family, her "Snoopy dog," and her cats George and Chloe. She was a deeply active member of Zwingli United Church of Christ, where her faith and community came together. Whether she was singing with the choral group, volunteering at the library and local food pantry, or participating in church life, she lived her life in service to others.

Sharry spent her final years at The Brethren Home Community where she received the same kind of compassionate care she spent her own life giving to others. She left us exactly as she lived: secure in her faith, proud of the legacy she built, and wrapped in the immense love of her family.

Our mom didn't just see the glass as half-full; she was busy using the water to grow something beautiful. We like to think she’s back in her bathing suit today, finally reunited with Larry, checking on a garden that never stops blooming.

A memorial service celebrating Sharron’s life will be held at Zwingli United Church of Christ in East Berlin on April 18, with visitation commencing at 10am and the service at 11am.

Please direct all gifts and donations in memory of Sharry to the New Hope Ministries Mobile Food Pantry:

Donation page: https://nhmpa.kindful.com/

Pantry home page: https://nhm-pa.org/mobile-food-pantry/

Memories may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com