After a series of illnesses, Sharon M. Gallagher, 61, died November 25, 2016 , at her home in Tucson , AZ. Sharon is predeceased by her parents, Charles Bernard Gallagher and Mary Jane Wilson Gallagher. She leaves behind siblings Keith Gallagher (Patricia) of Pinckney, MI; Marcia Voudren (Ken) of Charlotte, NC; Linda Donegan of Lawrenceville, GA; and Bonnie Romano (Rick) of Doylestown, PA; fiancé Larry Piedmont of Tucson; along with nieces and nephews Sean, Dan, and Brian Gallagher, Heidi Sheehan, Eric Voudren, and Chelsea and Allie Romano.

Sharon grew up in Holley and Saranac Lake , NY , graduated from college with honors, served in the U.S. National Guard, and devoted 25+ years of her highly successful MBA career to the State University of New York. As an executive financial officer and program administrator, she exhibited deep passion and tireless efforts in the interest of those she served. During her tenure, Sharon received numerous recognition awards for performance as an innovative leader and contributor.

In addition to her impressive academic and professional achievements, Sharon is best remembered for her fun-loving spirit, commitment to family and friends, philanthropic nature, compassion for the environment, and pure love of the ocean. Her nieces and nephews were Sharon 's ultimate pride and joy – her seven jewels. She was the upbeat, generous aunt who gifted the little ones with loud obnoxious toys, adventurous trips and later, meaningful inspiration, support, and guidance about adult life. She also enjoyed summer visits to the Adirondacks , spinning at Saratoga , rodeo outings with her fiancé, dabbling in gemology, and preparing her trademark cheese balls and other family favorites.

Details on a memorial service planned for spring 2017 are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes tributes at http://www.greenvalleymortuary.net/ and contributions to The ALS Association at http://www.alsa.org . (Sharon lost her mother to ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease in 1998.)