Sharon (Haggerty) Clarke

Sharon Haggerty Clarke, 61, passed away on January 30, 2022.

The eldest of three children, Sharon was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Roland and Kamilla Haggerty, raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1978. 

Sharon is survived by her children, daughter Samantha and husband Christopher, son Bryan and his wife Renee, daughter Madison, and two Grandsons, Liam Roland and Matthew Joseph. Additionally, Sharon is survived by her sister Renee, nephews, and niece, Connor, Lauren, and Gavin. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mark, and her beloved cat Mr. Freckles. 

Being a ‘Mema’ to her Grandsons was what she referred to as the greatest role in her life.  The family takes comfort in knowing she will watch over them both as they continue to grow. 

Sharon was an avid sports fan, specifically the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and Boston Celtics. Her favorite dish was cavatelli and broccoli and while not a five-star chef, she is lovingly remembered for delicious chicken cutlets and “gravy” which she learned to cook alongside her best friend Gina’s mom when they were younger.  But Sharon never took all the credit; she left that for the chef, Mrs. Uzzolino.  Twix Bars, Oreo cookies, and a Diet Coke were a quick way to Sharon’s heart. She also loved music and movies and could recite any Billy Joel or Bon Jovi song. Nearly all conversations with her ended with “anything good on TV or movies I should watch?” Also, knowing Sharon was to know she loved the show “Dexter” and if you told her, you’ve never seen it, she would sell it to you like it was her job.

She will also be greatly missed by her many friends. The beautiful stories they have shared since her passing about the impact she had on their lives has brought immense comfort to the family. Sharon was a friend to all, the type of person to give the shirt right off her back, even if it meant she went without. Sharon also never missed an opportunity to tell her family and friends, I love you.  

Sharon was very open about her struggle with addiction, she hated how much her addiction hurt her loved ones. While clean and sober she worked tirelessly in the alcoholic/addiction community over the years and supported so many in their goal of living a sober and clean life. Her support and empathy were immeasurable to others struggling with addiction, as shown by her co-creation of a Friday evening meeting entitled, “Serene Sisters,” which still exists today. Outside of her family and helping those find recovery, she found joy in Earth’s natural elements, she found the most peace by the water, animals and plants. Sharon had a love for Jade leaves that she gifted to her children every opportunity she had because she believed they “brought good health.”  

There wasn’t an animal or creature that Sharon didn’t love, she enjoyed watching birds and petting any dog she could. The joy she found in those moments are memories her family will always cherish.

Sharon strongly believed in God, relying heavily on her faith to get through many difficult times. The family finds peace in knowing that she has been made whole again and she was met with open arms at the holy gates of Heaven by God, family and loved ones gone before her.

Sharon was a big bright light when she allowed it to shine. Sharon’s family knows that she would have wanted them to share her story in the hopes that it can help even just one person realize that they are worth it and find sobriety. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 4pm – 7pm at Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main Street Wharton, NJ.  A celebration of Sharon’s life will start at 6:45pm during the visitation. 

Flowers are welcomed, as they brought her such joy. Memorial donations may be made in Sharon’s memory to St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter, https://www.sthuberts.org/donate

The family request everybody to please wear a mask.

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