Sharon Whitby Obituary, Gillingham Dorset Death: It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved sister, friend, and cherished member of the Gillingham community, Sharon Whitby. Sharon passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends, with love and laughter filling the space as she left this world and reunited with our dearly missed Mum and Dad. Her departure has left a void that no words can truly fill, and we are still reeling from the shock and pain of losing someone so deeply loved.
Sharon was more than a sister. She was the heartbeat of our family, a light in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing her, and someone whose spirit, kindness, and sense of humour will never be forgotten. She was a woman of strength, warmth, and remarkable compassion, whose love for her family and friends knew no bounds. It is almost impossible to imagine a world without her laughter, her sharp wit, and the way she always knew how to bring comfort in the most difficult of times.
Born and raised in Gillingham, Dorset, Sharon was proud of her roots. She carried with her the grounding presence of someone who truly understood the value of connection, community, and love. Throughout her life, she nurtured strong bonds with those around her. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a neighbour, or someone she had just met, Sharon had a way of making you feel like you mattered.
Family meant everything to Sharon. Her love for her siblings was deep and unwavering, and the loss of our Mum and Dad over the years only deepened our family’s bond with her. She was a constant—a source of stability, humour, and fierce love. In her presence, you felt safe, accepted, and understood. She had a knack for holding space for others’ pain, even when she carried her own silently. She was that rare kind of person who didn’t need to say much for you to feel better—her presence was enough.
Sharon was also a loyal friend. She built relationships that lasted decades, and her friendships were not casual—they were anchored in trust, loyalty, and shared memories. Her closest friends were like family to her, and they stood by her side until the very end. That she passed with them around her is a small comfort amidst the grief—a reflection of the love she gave and received in return.
Even in her final moments, Sharon was surrounded by love, humour, and memories. She passed away peacefully, embraced by those who knew her best, just as she lived—always close to the people she loved. Though our hearts are broken, we find a small piece of solace in knowing that she is no longer in pain, and that she has joined our parents, whose absence she felt so deeply. We like to believe there was a joyful reunion in another place, where laughter and love never end.
It is impossible to put into words the depth of our loss. Sharon’s absence leaves behind silence where there was once joy, and stillness where there was once vibrant energy. Her departure was sudden and shocking, and the grief we feel is overwhelming. She was someone who filled every room with her energy, who made ordinary days brighter, and who never let you leave a conversation without feeling just a bit lighter. That kind of person doesn’t come along often—and when they leave, the world feels just a bit colder.
Sharon’s life was one of generosity, love, and quiet strength. She didn’t seek recognition for her kindness—it came naturally. She looked after others without needing to be asked, always placing others’ needs before her own. Her strength was the quiet kind—the sort that goes unnoticed but holds families together, supports friends through hardship, and makes communities better just by being a part of them.
As we prepare to celebrate Sharon’s life, we find comfort in our memories. We remember her laugh—genuine, hearty, and often infectious. We remember her Sunday phone calls, her love of a good story, her ability to tease you one minute and hold your hand the next. We remember the holidays, the family gatherings, the quiet chats over tea, and the way she made every birthday and milestone special, no matter how small. We hold onto these moments now, clinging to them as we face the unimaginable reality of her absence.
A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. It will be a time for us to come together to honour Sharon’s life, share our memories, and support one another as we begin to heal. It will be an opportunity for everyone who loved her to reflect on what she meant to us individually and collectively. There will be tears, of course, but there will also be laughter—because that’s what Sharon would have wanted. She was never one to dwell in sadness for too long. She believed in finding light in the dark, in laughing through tears, and in holding each other close when the world felt too heavy.
To those who knew her, we invite you to carry Sharon’s legacy forward. Be kind. Be generous with your time. Listen deeply. Laugh often. Love without restraint. And when life gets hard, as it inevitably will, remember Sharon’s strength and face it with the same grace and courage she did. Her story doesn’t end here—it continues in the lives of the people she touched, in the values she held dear, and in the love that will never fade.
Sharon Whitby was one of a kind. Our hearts are broken, our lives forever changed, but we are so grateful—so incredibly grateful—for the years we had with her. Her spirit lives on in all of us. She may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Rest peacefully now, dear Sharon. You are reunited with Mum and Dad, and we know you’re watching over us with love. Thank you for everything—for your love, your laughter, your loyalty, and your life. We will miss you always and love you forever.
