Sharon Kaye Wendt, age 74, of Goose Lake, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Lightways Hospice Care in Joliet.

She was born in Cornell, WI, and graduated from Cornell High School with the Class of 1965. She went on to become a bookkeeper for many contractors in the Joliet area.

Sharon was known for her friendly personality and her love of all animals. She rescued many, but it was her beautiful and beloved exotic birds that filled her life with joy and happiness.

She was also a collector of many items and as a result, numerous charities and organizations, both near and far, benefited from her unique collections and her generous monetary donations.  Among the many recipients were the Pulmonary Hypertension Foundation, Coal City Fire and Ambulance, Shriners Hospitals for Children, the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine, Philanthropic Education Association of Morris, Caring Cottage in Wilmington, Grundy County Animal Control and Rescue, the local Boy Scouts, as well as the people of Mexico, Haiti and Ukraine who delighted in her clothing donations.

She is survived by her sister, Elaine Galante of Bensalem, PA, and her stepbrothers, Kevin and Jerry Buss.

She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Julia and Gordon Buss, her father, Harvey Wendt, and her brother-in-law, Guy Galante.

As per Sharon's wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.