Sharon M. Braten

Sharon Marie Braten, 77, passed away at home on Thursday, November 27, 2025 in Maquon Illinois. Born May 9th, 1948 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Hammer Maher and Dorothy Mary Neal.

Sharon attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria. She spent her early days as a homemaker to her family. Sharon was later employed with Kersh Café in Farmington, Illinois and the Dairy Farm in Elmwood, Illinois.

Sharon married Jack L. Braten in 1966, to this union were three children, Jack (Lori) Braten of St. Augustine, Illinois, Angie Braten of Maquon, Illinois and Tonya (Jim) Donsbach of Maquon, Illinois. She and Jack later divorced. Sharon then met Larry Burnett of Maquon, Illinois and they’ve since been together for 27 years. Sharon is also survived by three sisters, Judy (Ray) Vonderahe of Lincoln, Illinois, Brenda (Jeff) Potter of Princeville, Illinois and Vicky (Steve) Negley of Galva, Illinois; two brothers, Charles Maher of Peoria, Illinois and Danny (Kim) Maher of Roanoke, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Emma, Mark, Paul, Amanda, Travis, Clay and Betsy, along with a magnitude of great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her dog Shadow who was her faithful companion.

Waiting at the gates for her were her parents; one brother, Thomas Maher; one sister, Sandra McIntosh; one granddaughter, Faith Donsbach and one grandson, Steven Donsbach.

Sharon was a hardworking and strong, Irish woman who belonged to the Catholic faith. She loved animals and was an avid reader. Sharon also enjoyed dancing and cooking. Her family describes her as the best nanna in the world.

Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 5th, 2025 at Maquon United Methodist Church from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Private burial will take place at Maquon cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. The family would like to extend a thank you to Hospice Compassus and Lea Clark, APRN for their loving care of Sharon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and crematory, Galesburg.