Sharon Lee VanCulin

Sharon Lee VanCulin passed away peacefully at Christiana Care Union Hospital on the morning of July 17, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. We want to thank the nursing staff that provided such compassionate care to our retired nurse and her family.

Sharon was born on February 2, 1950, in Havre de Grace, MD, to Raymond and Betty Stuart. She was raised in Rising Sun, MD, and graduated from Rising Sun High School in 1968. She then went to nursing school at Harford Community College and began her nursing career at Harford Memorial Hospital primarily as a nurse in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She worked at the hospital for several years and then began working directly with OBGYN providers including Dr. James Bradfield, Maternity & Gynecology at Christiana Care, and others before retirement.

Sharon was a funny, beautiful, God-fearing woman who loved and cared deeply for so many. She was a thoughtful, loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Everyone that was lucky enough to know her will tell you how much she did for others. She worked tirelessly to support women in her family and community, especially as they became mothers. She loved all of our babies and was there to welcome so many of them into the world. She documented everything through her photography and always had a camera in hand. She never missed a milestone or event for her grandkids, nieces, and nephews, and was always one of the best cheerleaders for the people she loved.

She was deeply sentimental and known for her thoughtful cards and gifts in times of both celebration and loss. She gave more than she received and was always the person checking on others, making calls, sending cards and flowers. She was an amazing cook and fed everyone on holidays, and in times of sickness and grief, even when she wasn’t well herself. She is famed for her Christmas magic, generosity, and the miraculous number of ornaments she could get on a tree. She loved and adored her husband, or as she would say, “her person”, Sam, and was his biggest admirer when it came to his music. She treasured her lifelong friendships and all the support she received from them. She was also a long-time and very active member of Janes Church and fostered a strong sense of community in their congregation.

Anyone that knew her knows she was very passionate about baseball and was one of the most loyal Orioles fans. Camden Yards was a second home to her, and she made sure to create amazing experiences for all the family and friends that were fortunate enough to attend a game with her. She was well known by ushers and ball players alike, and was a lifelong #1 fan to Boog Powell, who became a dear friend of hers. Her presence will always be felt at Oriole Park.

Sharon is survived by her husband Samuel VanCulin; her mother Betty Stuart, her sons Richard Burns, Scott Chism, and Lee VanCulin (Tammy King-Toft); six grandchildren Abigail, Caroline, Jacob, Brock, Trent, and Rachel; her beloved sisters Raylene Crosse, Marlene Townsend, and Lisa McCartan; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her dearest friends Maralyn, Patsy, Connie, Nina, Donna, and her many other friends that she cherished at work, ball games, church and more. She is preceded in death by her father Raymond Stuart and her best friend Deborah Lambert.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, 12 Noon, at Janes Church, 213 N. Walnut St., Rising Sun, MD 21911, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10 AM until 12 Noon, at the church prior to the memorial service. Pastor Steve Basht of Janes Church of Rising Sun, MD, will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sharon’s incredible life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions may be made to the Janes Christian Academy in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766.