Sharon E. Holland, age 78 of Lena, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Lena Living Center. She was born March 17, 1944, in Stephenson County, IL, the daughter of Harold and Emma (Otte) Koch. Shortly after graduating high school, she married Merton "Mert" Holland on August 12, 1962, at the Lena United Methodist Church. Sharon then started working at Kayser's Butchering in Lena, where she worked for many years. She then went on to work at Micro-Switch in Freeport, IL until her retirement.

Sharon coached youth softball in Lena for several years. She was active in her bowling league and loved to go out dancing. Sharon was an avid dog lover throughout her life. Her dogs were a big part of the joy she found when camping at many different parks and campgrounds. She also enjoyed spending time in the garden and canning vegetables and meat. Sharon and Mert also loved to go on motorcycle rides together. In her later years, when she was able to spend time with her grandchildren, she took advantage of it by cooking and baking for them all, as she treasured the opportunity to make precious memories with them.

She is survived by her husband-Mert of Lena; two children- Robert Holland of Freeport, Barbara (Heath) Harbach of Warren; seven grandchildren; Kaylene (Zach) Borgmann, Chase (Johanna) Holland, Blake Holland, Shane (Sarah) Harbach, Cody (Danesa) Harbach, Chelsea (Melissa Goodwin) Harbach, Analiesa Harbach; nine great-grandchildren with one more on the way; five brothers- Eugene Koch, Kenneth (Sharon) Koch, Dean (Bonnie) Koch, Roger Koch, Don (Rita) Koch; one sister- Kathryn Slamp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters-in-law; Sally Koch and Kathy Koch, one brother-in-law Richard Slamp, and one niece Brittany Koch.

A private family service will be held.

Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park.

Sharon's family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lena Living Center, and Heartland Hospice for all the care she received.

She will be remembered for her great hugs and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

A memorial has been established in her name.