Sharon Kay Hemenway

Sharon Kay Hemenway, 78, Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by her family.

Sharon was born in Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea to Harold and Marleda (Attig) Wittmer. She grew up with her brothers and sister in rural Albert Lea and then in rural Geneva. She graduated from Ellendale High School in 1966. She received her Registered Nurse license from the Naeve Hospital School of Nursing shortly thereafter. She was a long-time geriatric nurse doing what she loved most, caring for others. As a nurse, she often gave of herself to make others' lives easier to bear.

Sharon married Ray Hemenway; together they raised three children Kelly, Ray. Jr, and Rebecca. Sharon was a nurse at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community for the majority of her career. She enjoyed time outdoors. She spent many summers fishing on the waters of southern Canada and later enjoyed summers at the family cabin on Tom Lake near the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota. She was also an avid reader and a lover of nature, especially butterflies. Her compassionate nature carried over into caring for many animals throughout her lifetime, including two loving cats, Kit and Pip, whom she recently rescued.

Sharon was a life-long member of the Eagles Club in Albert Lea. She volunteered her time on the Women's Auxiliary, helping to support charitable fundraisers. She especially enjoyed the social events and luncheons.

Later in life, Sharon cherished spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed lunch with friends and good conversation. She spent many afternoons with her close friend and neighbor Carmen and many lunch dates with her dear friend Gwen. She loved spending holidays and yearly reunions with family.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Jay) Gravholt; stepchildren, Kelly Hemenway and Ray Hemenway Jr.; brothers, Roger (Barb) Wittmer and Dan (Anita) Wittmer; grandchildren, Stassy (Dan) Misgen, Taylor Hemenway, Derek (Montse) Gravholt and Amanda (Bailey) Belisario; great grandchildren, Kinley, Sloan, Jon, Ruby, Bennett, and Alba; her nephews and nieces, Sam Ruble, Sue Ruble, Jason (Roxanne) Ruble, Michelle (Chris) Roeszler, Michael (Amie) Wittmer, Danielle Wittmer and Zach Wittmer. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marleda Wittmer; sister, Mary Stanley; brother, James Wittmer; and nephew, Gregory Wittmer.

Visitation and viewing will be from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 at Bonnerup Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, at Hayward Lutheran Church, followed by a luncheon. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.