Obituary of Sharon Jean Blum

SHARON J. BLUM, 50, of Jefferson, formerly of Stoughton, passed away peacefully at her home on December 17, 2010. She was born on June 15, 1960, in Denver, CO, daughter of Richard Blum and Marjorie (Koenig) Donovan. Sharon graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1978, and in 1982 from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design with a Drawing major. She worked for several years in the City of Milwaukee Forestry Department as an arborist, and then turned her attention to art. Her artistry and personal style was reflected in everything she did -- from drawing and decorating, to knitting, basketry and quilting. She worked at various potteries in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Kansas before starting Blum Pottery in Stoughton, where she decorated and sold pottery in her distinctive and accomplished style. In recent years, she spent many a Saturday morning with her wares at the Madison Farmers' Market. Sharon will be deeply missed by her mother, Marjorie (Joseph) Donovan of Kaukauna; her father, Richard (Carol) Blum of Tillamook, OR; her sisters Victoria (Lee) Mothes of Kaukauna, twin sister Karen (Jay) Schleis of Cameron, and Ann (Brian) Kox of Waterloo; her brother, Michael (Judy) Blum of Clintonville; her nieces Katherine, Alison and Madeleine Mothes, and Jena Schleis; her nephews Daniel and Garret Schleis, and Mackinnley and Addison Kox; her other loving relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Andrew and Marcella Koenig of Marshfield, Lester and Virginia Blum of Clintonville; aunts, uncles, and cousins. She loved her animals and they loved her back, especially her black lab Gracie. It would please Sharon to have donations made in her memory to the animal rescue or humane society of your choice. The family extends a sincere thank you to Rainbow Hospice, especially to Lisa and LuAnn for the compassion and care provided to both Sharon and her family.