Sharon Kay (Palmateer) Gonzalez Obituary (1942 - 2023)

Sharon Kay (Palmateer) Gonzalez, 80, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, in Shands Hospital, Gainesville, Florida. Sharon was born January 16, 1942, in Yale, Michigan, to the late Glenford and Phyllis(Kalbfleisch) Palmateer. She graduated from Yale High School with the Class of 1960. At 19, on spring break, Sharon hitched a ride with a friend from college to Tampa, Fl, and ended up staying. She fell in love with the warm weather, beautiful beaches and a man named Michael Gonzalez, who she was married to for 14 years. She attended the University of South Florida and graduated with a teaching degree, specializing in early childhood education. She taught for some years, but her true passion was entrepreneurship. Her hardworking and resilient demeanor were the foundation of her success. She owned a children's nursery, Lake Thonotosassa Academy, where she enjoyed creating safe spaces and foundational learning for the kids. She also co-owned an Italian and Spanish cuisine restaurant with Gus Priola, where customers affectionately called her "Madam". She was an incredible singer, seamstress, and baton twirler. Sharon's presence and talents will be sadly missed by many. Her loving and beautiful spirit lit up every room she entered, and she always walked away with new friends, usually leaving them with one of her handmade earrings.Sharon is survived by her two daughters, Harmony Monk and Vanessa Gonzalez; three granddaughters, Savanna (Garret) Turner and Olivia and Lauren Monk. Two great-grandsons, Carter and Huxley Turner; six brothers, Bud ( Marion) Palmateer, Harold Palmateer, Don (Rose) Palmateer, Jim (Pam) Palmateer, Tim (Traci) Palmateer and Tom Palmateer; Sister-in-law, Brenda Palmateer; and many nieces and nephews.Sharon is preceded in death by her six week old daughter, Delilah, who passed away from Spina Bifida, and her brother, Charles Palmateer.A Celebration of Life will be held at noon.Friday, February 10, 2023, At Magnolia Ridge Center, 6517 Northwest 39th Avenue, Gainesville,Florida 32606.We know she is looking down from heaven upon her "girls", feeling much pride and talking with everyone about how wonderful her grandchildren are. We love you so much and will miss your funny faces, quick wit and, most of all, your delicious peanut butter fudge.https://milamfh.com/