Sharon K. (Watson) Mensch

Sharon K. Mensch, age 76 of Portage formerly of Richland, died on July 15, 2023. She was born on February 13, 1947, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Robert and Betty (Griffin) Watson. Sharon was a 1964 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. She worked as a histology technician at Bronson Hospital before she worked in the same role at Upjohn Company. Sharon remained at Upjohn through the merger that created Pharmacia & Upjohn, eventually retiring from Pfizer in 2005. She enjoyed living in the Richland community for many years. She loved going to Borgess Fitness and made many great friendships there. Many of whom attended Tuesday nights at Louie’s Trophy House in downtown Kalamazoo.  Sharon also enjoyed her girl’s night golf league at Lake Doster Golf Course where she had many good friends and good times. She married David Waterman after high school and had two children together (Kelly and Chad).  Sharon was always a working Mother and Grandmother balancing her family, friends and career until she retired.  Sharon married John Mensch in November of 1992 and they shared 15 wonderful years together until his death in 2007. Sharon stayed active in her community gathering with friends and supporting local groups such as Gryphon Place.  Her family includes her children: Kelly (Mark) McCumby and Chad (Amy) Waterman; her grandchildren: Jacob McCumby, Connor McCumby, Zachary (Ashley) Waterman, Noah (Maggie) Waterman, and Kyle Samuel; her sister, Carol (Richard) VanAntwerp; and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband John Mensch. A private service will be held at a future date. Please share memories of Sharon with her family at www.langelands.com .  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Sharon’s name.