Sharon Elaine McGuire

Sharon Elaine McGuire (Abel) passed suddenly but peacefully on October 28, 2021.

     The alpha cousin of a large clan of family, Sharon, grew up on a farm in Carrollton, OH.  Growing up, she taught us all many things…how to build a gum wrapper chain, show a steer at the County Fair, make homemade ice cream, how to laugh at ourselves, get up each time we fall, work hard and build ourselves into what you dream of being.  But most of all, she taught us the love of family.  Never one to forget a birthday or life event, she had a way of making you feel special and truly important.  With keen interest, she followed the lives of her ever-growing family and offered endless encouragement.  She could be hard on you, calling things as she saw it.  But she loved you always, and you knew it.  A kind and thoughtful listener, Sharon could deliver positive feedback that seemed always to improve your life.

     A voracious researcher, Sharon had a devout passion for genealogy.  Ever the detective, the records of many clans grew because of her skillful sleuthing through historical documents!  Now, her dates are complete.  

     Generous and kind beyond words, Sharon helped provide home and shelter and food to many family and friends over the years.  Legendary Christmas Eve dinners were hosted by her and her husband, Jim.  The first to arrive and the last to leave at every family function, Sharon’s grace and love for her family could be seen at every turn.  Quick with a joke or wry comment, she’d have you in stitches with giggles.  

     Sharon was a proud graduate from Carrollton High School in 1971 and recently celebrated their 50th reunion. She received her Bachelors in Accounting from Ohio University, MBA from the University of Akron, and attained her CPA in 1993. She worked in the public sector of accounting in Ohio at Kent State University, University of Akron, Summit County Children’s Services, Parma City Schools, and Akron Summit County Public Library. In 2011, Sharon and Jim headed south to Aiken, SC, where she managed benefits at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions until retiring in 2018.  

     Sharon and Jim were married on April 10, 1987, and shared the love of family, food, and time at the beach; Punta Cana quickly became their place to unwind and recharge.  Their love grew deeper over the years, and one could see that in Sharon’s eyes.  When she couldn’t be at the beach, she enjoyed cheering on her Cleveland and Buckeye sports teams.

     Sharon is survived by her husband Jim and his daughters Kelly Carlson (Barry) and Tracy Finnefrock (Brian) and grandchildren Benjamin, Andrew, and Michael Carlson.  In addition, Sharon is survived by her mother, Marian Abel, aunt Audrey Kapelewski, brother Mike Abel (Becky), nephew Duane Abel (Coral), and niece Amanda Abel Haun.  Many cousins, relatives, and friends carry her spirit forward. 

     Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Earl Abel, and a charted family tree that she discovered! 

     A memorial service is being planned for a future date. 

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC