Sharon I can’t quite believe you’re no longer here. I first met you when I worked at Augustine and I loved our chats every time you came in. I think of you often and miss you. Till we meet again dear friend Love Andrea xxxx

The first time you bounded into my life was in a pub in Crooks, full of energy and mischievousness! We had so much fun at uni. In 2001, we set off on our OE on the same plane to Australia, waving goodbye at Bangkok until we met again in Australia and then NZ. Our lust for adventure further solidified our friendship. Our lives took us on parallel paths; settling in NZ, having children and pursuing our teaching careers. We supported each other through all this, through the good and the challenging times. We were part of each other’s special moments; the hen parties, weddings, births of our children. You were the first person to visit Harry when he was born.We continued to share many adventures, especially through our love for 90s icons. Even though I hate running, your passion for it inspired me to do two Auckland Half Marathons with you!"I consider myself so lucky to be your friend. Your zest for life, your passion for friendships and your fun, cheeky side is infectious. You loved being a mum and I will cherish the many happy times we spent together with our children. Molly and I will continue to share our loves for horses – and I know you will watch us with joy.When you were struggling, you told me over and over to live life and my new motto is; "Life is for Living". I’m here now, in the UK, having an adventure and spending quality time with my family, inspired by you. I'm sorry that meant I wasn’t there for you at the end, to say goodbye or to celebrate your life. But every day I think of you. I can’t imagine a time when I won’t want to message you.On the day you passed I was with friends; drinking pink bubbles, in a pub called Pink and dancing to 80s /90s music. I believe I was dancing to Take That as you took your last breath and I know you would have wholeheartedly approved. I hope there are bubbles and dancing where you are now. I promise to appreciate my life every day, to have lots of adventures and raise a glass of bubbles to you forever. Love you babe xx

Just watched the beautiful service celebrating our friend and colleague's life from John Donne. While working with Sharon we knew we had to stick to the plan and a lot of what was said resonated with us. Wonderful memories of such a lovely lady. She certainly enjoyed the bubbles. A few bottles consumed before her hen do continuing throughout the evening at the Greek Villager Thinking of you all and sending lots of love across the miles.

To lovely Sharon - I first met you when I came to teach at Stanley Bay primary and instantly clicked as a fellow UK mum who had also emigrated out with her family to New Zealand. I loved teaching with you Sharon and learning from you - you were passionate and creative and always got the best out of any child you taught, which is why Anya and Sam were also so lucky to have you as a teacher. I still have writing they both did in your class as some of my keepsakes. And I'll never be able to hear "Christmas at the beach" without thinking of you on the fantastic Christmas shows you were a whizz at organising. And you became a great friend - I loved the Take That concert we went to and we managed to get ourselves right to the front, having been way back, and were convinced Mark Owen was looking directly at us as we sang! And how you brought me a large care parcel the school had collected for me when I was ill a few years ago to help with my kids' lunches and you came to the house, near my birthday, and just gave me the really big hug I needed. I moved to Australia over 4 years ago and I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you sweetheart, but I really cherished the updates you gave on Facebook and the messages we swapped as you fought so bravely. What I really admire about you most Sharon was your absolute passion for life and you could hear this today from the tributes made and the beautiful poem your mum read. It will inspire me to enjoy life to the full, and think of you my lovely friend as I raise a glass to life. And to your wonderful, precious family Nick, Olly, Mollie and your mum Pat and all your family, my family and I send you all our love. Sharon truly was one in a million. All our love Nichola, Mark, Anya and Sam Flaherty

To the ONLY person I know to have the confidence to wear pink on pink on pink - and in the hair....and absolutely rock it! Sharon, it was always such a blast to have you in the salon; never short of a story or a laugh, and usually off home to have a glass of pink bubbles looking gorgeous. Meeting you as a client and farewelling as a friend; cheers to you and your fabulousness 🥂❤️🥂

Thinking of you all as you farewell lovely Sharon, who fought so bravely and inspired so many of us. Happy memories from our time living in Jellicoe road, Pommy girls and Kiwis formed lasting friendships in the Jellicoe Knitters, drinking champers and laughing until we cried. Farewell dear Sharon, xxx

Sharon entered our lives when my son started Year 3 in her class. As a teacher, she was outstanding, nurturing not only a classroom of learners but also inspired him as an individual. He is such an avid reader today, and it was fueled by Sharon’s passion and care. They also shared a birthday, which Sharon remembered, even 5 years on still sending birthday greetings. Not only was she an inspiration to her pupils but to me as a mother and a woman too. I had the opportunity to visit Sharon in January at Auckland Hospital. I left with an even greater respect for her resilience and the inspirational force she embodied. Sharon’s legacy is one of courage and inspiration—a rarity in this world. Let us carry her spirit with us in our actions, honouring her memory in all that we undertake.

Sharon was a wonderful friend and special to so many of us, always so bubbly, kind, positive, supportive, and genuine. I know how much she loved the NZ way of life and was hoping we would move over, we will one day I’m sure. Family was everything to Sharon, Nick, Molly & Ollie were her everything and of course her lovely mom, Pat. We had a lovely day together at Christmas which I will cherish and remember always, now rest in peace lovely lady xx

Sharon, So so sorry you didn’t win the battle with cancer. Your positivity and strength throughout has been inspirational. I will always fondly remember the nights out at Uni - cheap pints and cheesy tunes. Trips to Leicester and London, meeting up with you in Australia and you joining us in York for my 40th. Nick, Molly & Ollie - Sharon always spoke about you and let us know what you were up to. She was very proud of you all. Sending lots of love. Emma & Jim

Sharon was a beautiful bubbly lady. She made friends with whoever she met. A genuine soul, loved by many. Rest in peace now

To my dear friend Sharon, thank you for all of the happy memories from our childhood and teenage years growing up together in Great Glen. Many fun times together at the theatre studies after show parties! I will miss you so much. Love, Alex XXXX

Beautiful Sharon, we met and chatted and straight away we clicked both being from the UK. We had laughs saying we missed Marks and Spencers sandwiches and 3 for 2 at Boots. I know e didn't see eachother alot but we always chatted on the phone. Thank you for the many pieces of clothing that brought us together. As promised your hat made it to the Cayman Islands for my wedding. So today is all about you, your smile and friendship will last forever. You have been so strong now relax.Thank you friendship

Sharon and I met as newly qualified teachers in September 1998 teaching at Woodlands in Ilford. Oh the laughs we had making so many happy memories,.Writing this is making me smile as I think of her and that’s what she would have wanted. Ilford is also where Sharon met Nick and she was very much in love. So our lives unfolded, we found love, we became wives, mums and always friends. Sharon, you are very much loved and so is your family. Forever in my heart. Erika ❤️❤️❤️

Sharon and I met at St Joseph’s primary school, I have many happy memories of playing and having sleepovers at Cardinals Walk and later in Great Glen. I loved reconnecting with Sharon on Facebook, hearing all about her life and watching Ollie & Molly grow up. It was a privilege to know her, the world is less bright without her sparkle in it. Sending lots of love to Nick, Ollie, Molly, Pat & Carl, you are all in my thoughts. x

Dear Sharon, so so sorry you didn’t win the battle with cancer. Your courage, openness and positivity right from the start has been inspirational. You always looked on the bright side and despite the challenges, never grumbled. I’ll always treasure the memories - from Uni, visiting you in London and Leicester and more recently from my 40th in York when you were in the UK for a visit. Nick, Ollie & Molly sending you lots of love and hugs. Sharon was very proud of you all and always updated us on what you were up to xxx

There are no words we have to say how much Sharon meant to us! She was our au pair when my 4 boys were 5, 3 and newborn twins SHE SAVED MY LIFE!!! The boys loved her and she loved them. Treated them like they were her own. We sure hoped to see her again. Sharon and I kept in touch but I wanted to tell her how much we loved her. We are so sorry nick, Ollie and Molly! Remember the good times. Keep her beautiful smile in your heart and mind. And she will always be with you. Yall had a precious mother and wife. If you ever want to come to the USA for a visit, just let us know. Yall are always welcomed. We love y’all. Wish we could be there but we’ll be watching the streaming. ❤️❤️❤️

To Nick, Ollie, Molly, Pat and Carl. Thinking of you all over here in Clogga. Our deepest sympathies to you all. We have lots of great memories of when Sharon visited Ireland during the summers. Lots of love, Anne and Wattie.

To Sharon, my incredible sister-in-law. You may have left us, but your legacy lives on through Oll and Molly. You inspired us all with your unwavering spirit and your determination to live life to the fullest. We will miss you, and family get togethers will never be the same but we will continue to celebrate your life and the memories we shared with you. We love you, and we will keep you in our hearts forever.

I'm so sorry you didn't win the battle with cancer although you tried your hardest, you were certainly positive and optimistic! Love to your family at this awful time, Rest in pain free peace Sharon xx

In loving memory of you dear Sharon. I wish I had known you longer. Taken far too soon but know you will be flying high up in heaven, another angel gained. You live in in your beautiful children, thank you for everything you did for me. Our worlds collided and I am grateful forever that they did. Love you sleep tight 😇

To my dearest friend, Sharon From our first meeting at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, back in 1994, you have always held a special place in my heart. Your smile, positive and bubbly personality made you a joy to be around. We've had so many happy times together and even though our lives grew thousands of miles apart, careers, marriage, raising a family to living life to the full, you still remaind by my side, always smiling, dancing and singing, even though we both got stuck in a 90s time warp! Even now every time a song plays on the radio, your singing voice, albeit boosted by a few cheeky glasses of wine, puts a smile on my face. Keep dancing, and being the colourful glamorous person, friend, mother, wife, sister and daughter you've always been. And thank you for being such a special friend in which I will always hold onto the last time we danced together a couple of years ago back on the streets of Sheffield, showing the youngsters how us old ones still have it.... Fly high my angel, another star in the sky shines bright. Thank you for being you. All my love, until we meet again. Please save a space for me on that heavenly dance floor. Jonathan Burnett