Shari "Granny" Williams, age 86, of Lake Crystal, MN and formerly of Madelia, MN, died August 23, 2026, at Madelia Health Hospital.

An open house Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 980 S. Main St., Lake Crystal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice or the Madelia Health Foundation.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home, Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Shari was born Sharon Colleen O'Neil on April 13, 1940, to Percy and Maxine (Hardesty) O'Neil in Windom, Minnesota. She graduated from Windom High School in 1958. On June 17, 1959, Shari married Dale Williams at Amo United Methodist Church near Storden, Minnesota. They moved to Madelia in 1964, where they raised their four children. Dale and Shari later moved to Lake Crystal in 2019.

Shari was known for her beautiful skill at the piano, which she enjoyed from a very young age throughout her adult life. In addition to teaching many students, she played wherever and whenever she was asked, including at church, with the Madelia elementary and high school choirs, in community plays, and at many weddings and funerals. Her trademark style was loud and fast.

Shari had an infectious personality and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and you could often hear her before you saw her. She was deeply dedicated to the community of Madelia and served as Director of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce for many years. Dale and Shari rarely missed a town event and were always there to support their children and grandchildren, attending nearly every event in which they participated. She was immensely proud of her Irish heritage.

Family was important to Shari, and she will be greatly missed by her loving family: children, Brad (Rich Giambrone) Williams, Wendy (Steve) Hennager, and Jodi (Bob) Weston; grandchildren, Eric (Jen), Tony (Kelly), Mara (Taylor), Derek (Shelly), Bryan (Sarah), Emily, and Jake; great-grandchildren, Tygen, Kenna, Wylla, Liv, and Brooks; brother-in-law, Jack Williams; sister-in-law, Elaine O'Neil; and nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Shari was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; daughter, Lori; grandson, Andy; and brother, David.