Sharlene Frances Gage passed away Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Sarah Bush Hospital in Charleston, Ill. She was born Aug. 24, 1942, in Lewiston, the daughter of Glenn Edward and Thelma Grace (Warner) Gage. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1960, and went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Philosophy in 1964, and Master of Science in Mathematics in 1966 at the University of Idaho. She also earned an MBA through the Ford College Graduate program.
Gage spent more than three decades at the Ford Motor Company. Upon retirement in 1999, she was the manager and supervisor of employee cost analysis for Ford. After retirement, she was brought back to the top table during UAW negotiations as a consultant, and has been listed as a noteworthy automotive executive by Marquis Who’s Who.
Gage devoted herself to a variety of community volunteer activities, serving as the finance chair of Detroit boards of Goodwill Industries, the YWCA, Girl Scouts of America, the Barat House for young female victims of abuse and mental illness, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and in 2005, was awarded the Heart of Gold Award through United Way Community Services for “immeasurable dedication for the community.” She served on the board of the University of Idaho’s Martin Peace Institute, and in 2007 was inducted into the University of Idaho’s Alumni Hall of Fame for her leadership and contributions to community service.
She was an avid traveler and student of world cultures, having been to every continent, including Antarctica. She loved her city, was a strong supporter of Detroit community arts, and loved playing tennis and spending time with her friends at the Indian Village Tennis Club. She was an integral influence in the lives of her family, always providing sound, loving and generous support, and will be forever missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother Gary Gage (Betty), niece Anne Carter, nephews Andrew Gage (Kathryn Morice) and Benjamin Gage, great-niece Meredith Carter, and great-nephews Daniel Carter and Benjamin Gage Jr.
Please direct any donations to Goodwill of Greater Detroit at goodwilldetroit.org.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
