Sharon Elaine Harrigan
Sharon Elaine Harrigan, 83, of Staunton, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. She was born in Baltimore, MD, on April 4, 1943, a daughter of the late Samuel Thomas Gary, Jr. and Margret Loretta Sutherland.
Sharon graduated from Mergenthaler (Mervo) High School and received her associate’s degree from Strayer University. She worked as a care provider with adults with disabilities, but she would often say “I’ve been working since I was 6 years old.” Sharon was very active in supporting care for children and adults. She helped in promoting chess programs, foreign student exchange programs, and Record Hops with Buddy Deane. She enjoyed listen to radio programs and cooking for family and friends. She was very talented and loved to play the guitar, banjo, and harmonica and enjoyed entertaining people with her music. Sharon was an expert at Yahtzee, a true hustler at many games, and an avid slots winner extraordinaire.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Harrigan; daughter, Sheila Duran, and following siblings: Buddy Gary, Richard Gary, Bob Gary, Tommy Gary, Shirley Dove, and Donald Gary.
Survivors include her daughters, Erin Harrigan and Michelle Bartos; grandchildren: Alisha Bowen, Alek Carnell, Aiden Carnell, and Patrick Mofield; great grandson, Connor Hinson; siblings, Virginia Morris, Sandy Feelze, Sonny Gary, Alan Gary, and Patrick Gary.
Sharon was a force of nature-a women of extraordinary strength, unwavering determination, and a spirit that simply refused to be defeated. She was blessed with a quick wit, a little sass, and personality that could light up any room.
She was a fighter in every sense of the word, overcoming life’s challenges with a resilience that inspired everyone who knew her. She loved fiercely, protected those she held dear without hesitation and never shied away from standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. She was a voice for the unheard, defender of the vulnerable and a source of strength for anyone fortunate enough to have her in their corner.
Her determination was unmatched, her love was unconditional, and her fighting spirit was nothing short of remarkable. She taught those around her that strength isn’t measured by the battles we face, but by the courage with which we face them.
Though her earthly battles have come to an end, her legacy of courage, laughter, fierce love, and unbreakable determination will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She may have left this work, but the fire she carried will never be extinguished.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
