Sharon Richards
Monday
5
December

Calling Hour

11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monday, December 5, 2022
Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home
4309 Acme Road
Ilion, New York, United States
315-894-8000
Monday
5
December

Graveside Service

1:30 pm
Monday, December 5, 2022
Armory Hill Cemetery
Benedict Ave.
Ilion, New York, United States

Obituary of Sharon A. Richards

Sharon A. (Yardley) Richards of Ilion, NY passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022, in the comfort of her home with those she cherished the most always by her side. Sharon was born October 9, 1953, the daughter of Ann (Peg) and Roland Yardley and one of six siblings. She graduated from Ilion High School in 1972 where she spent her time as a lifeguard and member of the cheerleading squad. On February 23, 1973 she wed her soulmate and partner in life, John H. Richards, whom together they shared over 50 loving years. Together they had three beautiful girls who made her proud and above all were always making her laugh and smile. Sharon held family at the core of everything she did. Spending time with her sisters and brothers and their families provided a lifetime of love and memories. She enjoyed spending her time with them at Keyser Lake, Evergreen, and the St. Lawrence River. Family gatherings were a regular occurrence and Sharon was blessed to have her two sisters as her best friends and always by her side. Sharon was known to many as a dignified woman of beauty who always presented herself with kindness and grace. She held many jobs over her years creating memorable trips with her children as an airline receptionist for Piedmont Air until she became the backbone of a business her and her husband successfully ran for over 30 years. This was a true testament to the strong and beautiful marriage that John and Sharon shared. Family and friends fondly referred to Sharon as “Queenie” as she was always known to be someone to take charge, keep things in order, and take care of just about everything including caring for all those that she had loved. She was the matriarch of the Yardley Family, always putting the needs of her family above her own. Sharon enjoyed life’s many great pleasures including spending time at the family “cottage” on the St. Lawrence River, a place where she found peace and solitude in her final years of her life. The River generated some of the most precious and cherished memories with her family and dearest friends floating in the River and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. The many trips and adventures spent with her beloved River Rat friends, cruising on the river, visiting Las Vegas and the Caribbean, filled her heart with joy. Sharon was always her children’s biggest cheerleader and an inspiration to them. She spent many years co-running and organizing the Ilion Synchronized Swim Club where her witty personality shone through in her quirky moves and choreography she created. She loved to sing and dance with her girls and later with her grandchildren. Sharon’s grandchildren affectionately referred to her as “Garmer”, a name fitting only to her. Her time spent with her grandchildren was precious to her. She always made sure their time was spent making memories, filled with laughter and joy, and always letting them know how much they were loved. Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Ann and Roland Yardley; sister, Patricia; brother, Roland; and grandson, Ryan John Zink. She is survived by her loving husband, John; three daughters, Patricia (Jerome) Zink of Ilion, Erin (Paul) Renaud of Carthage, and Kelly (Joel) Rowland of Ilion; five grandchildren whom she adored and loved spending time with,Tria and Iley Rowland, Mason Zink, and Margot and Walker Renaud; one brother, Robert (Janet) Yardley of Herkimer; two sisters, Gail (Shawn) Carney of Litchfield, and Lynne (Dave) Marhaver of Ilion; and a sister-in-law, Chris Yardley of Fairfax Station, VA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, many cousins and dear friends who have many fond memories of Sharon throughout her years. Sharon’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all that were blessed to have known her and she will forever remain “RIGHT HERE” in the hearts of her husband, children, and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family highly encourages you to please make a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care in Sharon’s honor as they were truly a blessing in providing her care. Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Sharon on Monday, December 5, 2022, from 11:00AM – 01:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Procession will then follow to Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion, where Sharon’s graveside service will commence at 01:30PM with Rev. Leo Potvin, officiating. The Richards family has entrusted the care of their beloved wife and mother to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.
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