Sharon Marie Madeline Kozlowski Lough

Sharon Marie Madeline Kozlowski Lough of St. Charles passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 13, 1942, in Chicago, the daughter of Walter and Wanda Kozlowski. Sharon’s grandfather Adam Krol and neighbor “Auntie” Lottie were supportive guiding forces throughout her childhood and remained inspirational figures throughout her life.

Sharon was a community activist who participated in her daughters’ PTA; addressed environmental concerns about industrial-scale science projects in Kane County’s residential areas; and was co-founder of Two Women, For Women, a non-profit organization that provided free healthcare to underinsured women in the Chicagoland area. She supported American veterans and regularly donated to local charities.

Sharon is remembered by her friends and family as generous, courageous, outspoken, loyal, strong, hilarious, and perpetually creative. In her presence—near or far—there was never a dull moment. She loved spicy language around anyone including her delighted grandchildren.

Dearest to her heart was her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. From little love notes to grand gestures, Sharon always let her people know she loved them. She adopted and cared for many stray cats and dogs; and delighted in visits from familiar cardinals and hummingbirds. She cherished the home that she and her husband Stephen built in Campton Hills in 1979. Sharon expressed her gratitude every summer morning for the huge oaks, maples, firs, willows and spruce trees that grace the land they called home for 45 years.

Sharon is survived by her loyal husband Stephen Lough; her three daughters and their husbands whom she loved like her own sons: Kirsten "Ondine" & Scott Hollander, Erin & Tommy Shea, and Morgan & Jay Lerdal; and her beloved grandchildren Simon & Elaine Lerdal. Sharon also has many cousins in the Chicagoland area.

Sharon, Mom, Mamalo, Mama, our “shining Grammy” is deeply missed. She will forever live in our hearts and in the echoing laughter of generations to come.

Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Sharon’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).