Sharon A. Long Sanden, 78, of Morehead City, N.C. and formerly of Warren, PA., died July 9, 2020 at Crystal Hope Hospice in Newport, NC after succumbing to a brief illness, with her beloved daughters at her side. She was born on May 22, 1942 in Warren, PA to the late Henry J. and Helen (Shultz) Long.

Sharon graduated in 1961 from Warren High School, then attended North Penn Beauty School. Following graduation, she was a beautician and then business owner in the Warren area for 42 years. After retiring Sharon moved to Morehead, N.C. in 2005 to be near the ocean to indulge a true passion of hers, swimming in the ocean, as often as possible.

While in Warren Sharon was an avid member of her community as a business owner, beautician, member of St. Joseph Church and the Warren Lioness Club. Sharon however, most adored her family which started with her 3 cherished daughters whom she shared with former spouse, James Lopez of Warren, PA. She never missed an opportunity to host friends and family for a rousing celebration or a game of cards. Sharon married her esteemed husband Herbert W. Sanden in Warren, PA on February 25, 1978 and the two enjoyed many adventures together including waterskiing on Chautauqua Lake, trips to Florida and renewing their vows after 20 happy years. Sharon could be seen at every 4th of July parade watching her children and then grandchildren as they proudly marched down Main Street, looking for her smiling face. She had a special way of making her family feel loved, greeting them with “Punky” and pinching their cheeks, well into their adult years. She brought a welcome smile to others whenever possible while golfing, dancing, playing pickle ball, but especially while spending time on the water. Sharon spent her time in Morehead City, with many friends playing pickle ball, kayaking, or her absolute favorite – swimming in the ocean.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert W. Sanden, her daughter Kenda (Lopez) Freeborough and her sister Helen (Long) Sykes.

Sharon is survived by two daughters of whom she loved dearly, Julie (Lopez) Williams, husband Craig, of Florence, S.C., and Carie Lopez Bumbarger, of Concord, N.C.; a brother, Thomas William “Bill” Long and wife, Beverly Jane, of Warren, PA. Grandchildren of whom she was immensely proud Kaeli Freeborough, Kelsi Freeborough, Halli (Williams) Jordan, Drew Williams, Tanner Williams, and Trevor Bumbarger and Great-granddaughter: Kenda Christeson as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends whom she treated as family.

We will all greatly miss her spirit and unending support and hope to show up to the world as she did, with love and kindness and a little bit of fun.

A Private Memorial Service will be conducted at the convenience of the family at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Amazing Grace Advocacy PO Box 7314 Concord, NC 28027 or a local Charity of One’s Choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com