11/02/2026
Sharon Theresa Mirande
Sharon Theresa Mirande, née Wilke, passed away at home on October 30, 2026, in Ringoes, New Jersey. She was born on July 8, 1961, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and lived a life marked by intelligence, strength, devotion to family, and a spirit that refused to be diminished.
Sharon grew up in Avenel yet spent her childhood riding her family’s horses at the Silver Bit and Spur Ranch in White House Station, NJ. As a skilled equestrienne she took pride in being able to command her father’s rather large Appaloosa named Tissi, but for riding pleasure her favorite was the perfectly sized Palomino named Sundown. Her horsemanship allowed her to excel at barrel racing. She took Rich on a one time ride and after he developed a butt blister--he never went again. She just laughed for years. This lifelong affinity towards horses and big open spaces has been passed on to her children and grandchildren.
As a member of the Colonia High School Class of 1979 she expressed her creative side by playing the flute in the band and by serving as a photographer for the high school yearbook - which had her focusing her lens on the captain of the soccer team. It turns out that guy, Richard Mirande, would eventually become her husband as years later she used those old photos as currency for a dinner date. It played out like a Hollywood romance from that point forward as they wed on September 30, 1989. Those who knew her recognized a woman of deep curiosity and keen planning, qualities that remained with her throughout her life.
For 11 years, Sharon worked as an Account Executive for the former MCI. In 1992, she left that role to start her family, a decision that reflected the central place love and home held in her life. She brought the same commitment and care to her family that she had shown in every other part of her life. Later she would work as a Lunch Aide at the Copper Hill School, where she contributed to the well being of many students.
Sharon was a voracious reader whose love of books and time spent at the library spoke to her lively mind and remarkable command of language. She was known for her amazing and extensive vocabulary- our family affectionately called her “spelling bully” SB for short she would pride herself noticing typos in billboards. In recent years she loved to play mahjong and was teaching her granddaughter how to play. Other particular pleasures that filled her days, including listening to the music of Kitaro, The Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac. She also carried treasured memories of Hawaii close to her heart. After her honeymoon there with Richard in 1989, the couple purchased a time-share in Waikiki, and she delighted in many return trips there, continuing to enjoy that special place as recently as one year ago.
Her life was also defined by uncommon courage. Beginning in 1992, Sharon faced the health challenges of Lyme’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, yet she always maintained a positive spirit and an unwavering determination to fight. Fiercely independent and often referred to as the “unsinkable Molly Brown,” she met hardship with resolve and grace, inspiring those around her through the force of her character.
Above all, Sharon found her greatest joy in her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Richard J. Mirande; her daughter, Jessica Aversa, and Jessica’s husband, Jason Aversa, of Alexandria Township, New Jersey; and her son, Richard Charles Mirande of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and his fiancée, Laci Apitis. She also leaves behind her cherished granddaughters, Avery Lynn and Paisley May, who were the joy of her life and with whom she loved spending time. Sharon is further survived by her brothers-in-law, Thomas Mirande of Langhorne, Pennsylvania; Stephen and Candace Mirande of New Hope, Pennsylvania; and David and Joan Mirande of Allenwood, New Jersey, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Each of them carries forward the memory of her warmth, resilience, and enduring love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles A. Wilke and Patricia (Herbig) Wilke.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on November 14, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey 08822. A memorial service will follow there from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with refreshments and fellowship afterward at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Sharon will be remembered for her bright mind, her determined heart, her love of music and books, and the deep devotion she gave to those closest to her. Her presence was steady, spirited, and unforgettable, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who loved her.
For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may made to the Stephen Siller Tunnels-to-Towers Foundation by clicking the link below.
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