Sharon K. Calabrese-Shanks

Sharon Kay Calabrese-Shanks, 77, of Winamac, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso. 

She was born in LaPorte, to the late Byron and Emma (Fry) Hazzlet on Feb. 7, 1946 and was raised in the North Judson area. Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Rocco J. Calabrese, in 1964 and they had eight children. Rocco passed away unexpectedly in 1979. Sharon was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac where she taught CCD and was active with the Christian Mothers organization. Sharon lived in Rockwall, Texas for nearly two decades before returning to Winamac in 2020. She was a devoted wife and mother as well as a beloved grandmother. Sharon will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by sons: Carmen Paul [Corrina] Calabrese, Rockwall, Texas, Anthony M. [Dorinda] Calabrese, Winamac, Domenick G. [Tiffany] Calabrese, Indianapolis, Frank A. Calabrese, Winamac and Ralph M. [Tennille] Calabrese, Winamac; daughters: Regina M. Calabrese, Winamac and Christina A. [Jason] Fritz, Ennis, Texas; 16 grandchildren; sisters: Audrey Hernandez, Deborah [Javier] Silva and Janet Reiss; brother Michael Hazzlet; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents: Byron and Emma (Fry) Hazzlet; husband Rocco J. Calabrese, Jr.; son Rocco Joseph Calabrese; and grandson Cameron Calabrese. 

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Burial followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in memory of Sharon via www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

(Pulaski County Journal — Nov. 15, 2023)