Midland, Michigan - Sharon Ann Nichols Kaiser, 79, of Midland, MI (formerly Kingsley, MI), passed away on May 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on November 12, 1946, in Detroit, MI, to the late Rita Kennedy Nichols King and Kermit Nichols, Sharon lived a life overflowing with love, creativity, and service to others. She was, quite simply, love and kindness personified.

Sharon graduated in 1964 from the elite Cass Tech High School in Detroit, a foundation that set the stage for a life defined by determination and excellence. In 1976, as a single mother of two young children, she earned her nursing degree with honors from Northern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI, becoming a registered nurse. That accomplishment alone tells you everything you need to know about her grit and devotion to her family. She went on to serve at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for 28 years, caring for countless patients with the same warmth and tenderness she brought to every corner of her life. She was a natural caretaker of her fellow man, and nursing wasn't just her career; it was her calling.

After retiring from the hospital in 2003, Sharon wasn't one to slow down. She and her daughter Laura opened the Quilt-n-Bee, a beloved quilt shop serving the Traverse City community for 16 years. Sharon often called the shop her ministry, and anyone who walked through those doors understood why. It was a place of warmth, connection, and creativity, much like Sharon herself.

Sharon was a wonderful artist who excelled in painting, garment sewing, knitting, and quilting. She was an active member of the Pine Needlers Quilt Guild in Traverse City and participated in many weekend quilting retreats. She loved to travel, making it to Ireland 2 years ago. She loved to cook, and bake, and she was famous for her homemade pies, especially her Apple Caramel and her daughters favorite, Cherry Pie, which she made sure was "always" without pits. She volunteered frequently at the Kingsley Methodist Church for their annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon and Vacation Bible School, assisting Pastor Colleen with many tasks. More recently, she had become a member of her condo's Schade Ladies group in Midland and was enjoying getting to know her new friends there.

Those who knew Sharon knew someone with an open, loving heart for all. She was fiercely loyal and protective of her family, always putting others before herself. She was easy to laugh, quick to have fun, and determined to enjoy every bit of life. A lifelong lover of Scrabble, playing cards and puzzles. Above all, she was a faithful servant of God whose faith guided her through every season.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Leon Kaiser; her brother, Dennis Nichols; her mother, Rita Kennedy Nichols King; and her father, Kermit Nichols as well has her niece Cheryl Wheeler. She is survived by her son, Jim Nicholson; her daughter, Laura Brown and son-in-law Shaun Brown; her loving companion, Bill Bailey; her precious sisters, Karen Simmons and Geri Tucker; her beloved grandchildren Henry and Lucy Hazen, Clara and Dash Brown. Her many nieces: Suzie (Mark), Lisa (Todd), Denise (Jimmy), Tricia (Bob). Niece Pam Lietaert, Nancy Walton and nephews Michael, David and Kenneth Robert Domanski. As well as many more family and friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 3701 Jefferson Ave in Midland, MI. Visitation preceding the service begins at 10 am. A church luncheon will be served after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Toni & Trish Hospice House, located at 4699 11 Mile Rd, Auburn, MI 48611.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.