Sharon Ann (French) Taylor, 72, of Canisteo, NY, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Born in Hornell, NY on November 10, 1949 Sharon grew up in the Canisteo area where she attended Jasper High School.
She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing computer games, watching television, and her favorite hobby, crafting. She also enjoyed repurposing furniture. Additionally, Sharon loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature. She was born with a green thumb, as can be seen at her beautifully landscaped home in Canisteo. Her favorite flowers were lilacs, and her favorite color was purple.
Sharon thoroughly enjoyed working with the public. She loved making connections with people and forging new friendships. She was an entrepreneur and owned three different businesses throughout her lifetime–the Sit-n-Sip Restaurant, the Canisteo Pizzeria, and the She Shed (a small repurposed furniture and décor boutique). Her genuine smile and caring spirit will be remembered by her customers and employees. Sharon lit up every room she entered and made an impact on so many people. She was everyone’s “mom”.
Her favorite job titles were that of Mother and Grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her universe. Sharon was so proud of her family and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. You could often find her on the sidelines at various sporting events and in the auditorium of dance competitions cheering on her grandchildren. Sharon loved cooking for her family and having family gatherings. The family was always happy to see Mom’s special dishes on the menu. Her famous homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and delicious macaroni salad will both be missed. She poured love into every dish she made. Sharon’s heart and her home were always filled with warmth and kindness. The love for her family is her legacy.
She was predeceased by her parents Raymond C. French and Anna Mae (Paul) Willis.
Sharon is survived by her loving children, daughters Rhonda (Rich) Farrand and Renae (Don) Fortuna and her sons, David Jackson and Ken (Jen) Jackson. She had 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Jonathan) Tuite, Sharalyn (Ryan) Rice, Natalie Fortuna, Adrianna Fortuna, Devon Jackson, Acacia (Hunter) Venable, Dawson Jackson, Derek Jackson, Taylor Jackson, and Schuylar (Dakota Mix) Carbone and her 7 great-grandchildren Alivian, Hunter, Kegan, Evangeline, MaKenna, Emalina, and Zayden. Additionally, Sharon is survived by 3 sisters, Vicky (Merritt) Black, Susan (EJ) Kubiak, Tammy (Jerry) Taft and 5 brothers, Raymond (Betty) French, Roger (Angie) French, Paul (Jennifer) Willis, Jr., Gary (Debbie) Willis, Duane Willis, as well as several nieces and nephews. Sharon is also survived by her long-time partner Clayton O’Dell and her devoted fur-baby, Gigi.
The family of Sharon Taylor will receive friends on Friday (July 1, 2022) from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the West Jasper Wesleyan Church, 2619 Co Rd 31, Canisteo, NY. A memorial service to commemorate Sharon’s incredible life will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 pm with Reverend Brian Diffenbacher officiating. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Sharon’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Sharon’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorial-giving.
