Sharon Lee Van Benthem (Jensen), 58 years old, of San Juan Capistrano passed away unexpectedly Thursday July 9th at her sister’s home in Laguna Niguel, California. Sharon was born January 21, 1957 in Hartford, Connecticut to Richmond and Constance Jensen. She has one sister, Cheryl Ann Osman (Jensen). Sharon married Paul J. Van Benthem on June 25, 1977 in Windsor, Connecticut. Sharon attended Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing where she received her Nursing diploma. She started her career as a registered nurse at Uncas-On-Thames Hospital in Uncasville, CT working in long term care. She then went to Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals in New London, CT where she started her long career in woman’s health on the Labor and Delivery floor. Sharon moved all across the country with her husband and continued to work in a variety of woman’s health settings. Her career in nursing spanned 30 years and five states. She had three children: Sarah Bethany (1980), Philip Christopher (1983), and Erin Mary (1984).

Sharon enjoyed collecting baskets, attending craft shows, history, and traveling. She loved to decorate her home with an eclectic array of hand-crafted items. Her generosity was profound. Her heart was full and warm, and she did her best to ensure the happiness of all the people around her. Sharon also enjoyed volunteering. While living in New York, she volunteered at a community hospital and at a local historic mansion. She loved giving back to her community. She also had a deep love for her pets. They always held a very special place in her heart. Any time she could help an animal in need, she would.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Paul Van Benthem; her children Sarah (Robert) Richards, Philip Van Benthem, and Erin Van Benthem; her grandchildren Olivia and Declan Richards; her sister Cheryl Osman and nieces and nephews; Zach, Jacob, Rebecca, Max, Heidi, Jamie, and Matthew; her dog Baby Girl; and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her Mother and Father Constance and Richmond Jensen, and Chilson the Chihuahua.

Services will be Saturday July 18th at 3pm at Crossline Church, 23331 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, California 92691. Reception to follow at Crossline Church. An interment is being planned for a later date in Saratoga, NY. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Sharon Van Benthem to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Please send condolences to 5925 Linda Vista Rd, Apt 1302, San Diego, CA 92110.