Sharon Ann Harrington

Sharon Harrington, 73, recently of Leland, North Carolina passed away on October 8, 2024. She is survived by her brother Eric Wardle, her sisters-in-law Christine Hilliker and Marion Wardle, her brothers-in-law Bill Hilliker and David Lane, stepsons, Chris, Kenny, DJ Harrington, several cousins and step-grandchildren. Sharon was born in Buffalo, NY and spent her early years in North Tonawanda, NY, a small city halfway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. After graduating high school, Sharon attended the State University of New York at Brockport. Her education was placed on hold during her sophomore year when she was diagnosed with Lupus. Sharon was hospitalized for many months and entered a Lupus research study at the National Institute of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland. Sharon always gave credit to the many doctors and nurses in this program for extending her life. Fortunately, she entered a remission phase. She then moved with her parents to Runnemede, NJ and completed her college degree at Glassboro State College. After graduation, Sharon relocated to the Washington DC area living in Maryland to be close to the NIH for follow up. She began her career as a residential social worker at Archway Programs. She excelled in this position as she excelled in all her following positions. Her next career move was as counselor and educational liaison at the Baptist Home for Children. Sharon would continue to help people as a social worker for the rest of her professional career and life. About this time, Sharon met her soon to be husband Ken at the “Dubliner”. They both had a love of Irish music. Sharon also acted as a wing woman on these evenings with her introvert girlfriends. Sharon never had a problem speaking to people. Some called her an extrovert. She loved to talk and ask many questions. She was always full of positivity, energy, and enthusiasm. Sharon had a genuine interest and knack for making everyone feel special. After marriage Sharon and Ken moved to Herndon, Va. and Sharon continued her career in social work employed by Fairfax County as a management analyst until her retirement. In 2019, her husband, Ken, passed away. Sharon remained in Herndon until 2023. During this time, she was active in the Herndon Women’s Club, kept busy with genealogy research and organizing her 50th High School reunion in North Tonawanda. In May of 2023 she moved to Leland, NC to be closer to her brother and sister-in-law. Her health rapidly declined due to the lifelong effects of Lupus which developed into end stage kidney disease. She passed away at LifeCare, a Hospice facility in Wilmington, NC. She was a fighter till the very end, never giving up and always believing tomorrow would bring a better day. In addition to her family, Sharon leaves behind many friends including life-long friends from grammar school, high school, college, former co-workers and neighbors. The number of friendships she maintained over her lifetime are too numerous to list. You know who you are. Ever the optimist, Sharon was known for her positive attitude, and love of life despite her health problems. Sharon touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sharon Ann Harrington

July 25, 1951 - October 8, 2024