Antoszyk

Sharon Best Antoszyk, 60, of Concord, N.C., beloved wife, mother and Baba, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at home surrounded by her loved ones due to pancreatic cancer.

Sharon was born in Kingston, N.Y., to Thomas and Marie (Ratajczak) Best on Aug. 31.

She graduated from Millbrook High School in Raleigh, N.C., and went on to study physical therapy at East Carolina University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy. She later became certified as a pediatric clinical specialist and earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

After graduating from ECU, Sharon moved to Pennsylvania where she practiced physical therapy at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights. It was there she met the love of her life, her husband Mark. To best serve her growing family and career goals, Sharon transitioned to pediatric clinical care in school districts, allowing her more time with her children and coveted summers off.

In 2002, after moving to North Carolina, Sharon began serving special needs children of the Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) as a physical therapist. One of Sharon's proudest accomplishments in her career was incorporating her trained therapy dog, Nikki, in her practice, much to the delight of the students she worked with. She dutifully served in her role with CCS until her retirement in 2022.

Sharon's greatest passion was being a wife and mother. She was an excellent cook who took incredible joy in providing a lovely home for her family. During summer breaks, she would travel with her family across the country. Once her children were grown, she and Mark used the school holidays to travel internationally.

She was an avid walker, dog lover and bird watcher. She was perhaps best known for her love of sewing. She made many quilts for her loved ones, as well as wonderful Halloween costumes for her children and, later, her granddaughter. Sharon lived a life of service, dedication and selfless giving to all who encountered her. She was a lifelong devoted Catholic with a deep and abiding faith.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Mark; her children, Tim (Lily) Antoszyk of Huntersville, Lindsey Antoszyk of Charlotte, Joe (Debbie) Antoszyk of Charlotte and Katie (KC) Heschel of Concord; and her grandchildren, Violet, Theodore and Everett. She also is survived by her mother, Marie Best; and her brothers, Tom (Diana) and Jim (Kathy) Best, all of Raleigh, N.C.; her sister, Robin (Dann) Lee of Birmingham, Ala.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Best.

Sharon will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her motto for these last few months of life was “be not afraid” and she lived it well, never losing faith and working and caring for others right up to the very end.

ANTOSZYK — The family of Sharon Best Antoszyk, who died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark Catholic Church, 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, N.C.

The Rite of Christian burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be conducted by JAMES FUNERAL HOME, 10520 Arahova Drive, Huntersville, N.C.

Interment will be later at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Joseph College Seminary at 22 Arctus Ave., Mount Holly, NC 28120, or at stjcs.org/donation.

Online condolences may be offered at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.