NAPLES — Sharon Anne (Shanning) Pond, 75, of Naples, passed away on December 7 at home surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer.

Sharon was born to Mildred McDonald on May 27, 1947, and grew up in West Poland, Maine. During her childhood she especially loved spending time with her beloved grandparents Albert and Gertrude Tirrell of Mechanic Falls.

Sharon was an excellent student and graduated from Mechanic Falls High School, class of ’65.

While in Naples getting her car inspected, Sharon met the love of her life. She and Richard married on June 22, 1968, and then built a home, a life, and a family in Naples.

Family has always been the priority to Sharon. She kept close ties to her family as well as made lifelong friendships wherever she went. She was a constant in her children’s lives, going on school field trips, sending homemade cookies to every school event, and even being a Girl Scout leader.

After raising her two children, Sharon returned to the work force, working “mother’s hours” as a cashier at Shaw’s for many years.

Sharon was an accomplished seamstress often making special items for her children and then for her grandchildren, including PJs, doll clothes, dance costume alterations, and even a wedding dress. She was also well known for her cooking skills with her mac n’ cheese being a staple at family gatherings. She always made sure her family had a chosen special cake for his/her birthday.

Her other big loves were for Elvis, Stephen King, and flamingos! She had tickets to Elvis’ Maine concert! She was an avid reader and owed and read every Stephen King book published. We will forever think of her when we spot a flamingo as she loved having those bright pink birds everywhere both here in Maine and in their winter home in Florida.

And if Sharon wasn’t at home, she could frequently be found out shopping or playing slots at a casino. She certainly had the golden touch, coming home often with her pockets full.

Sharon will be greatly missed by many, but most of all by her loving and dedicated husband of 54 years, Richard Pond; her children Erica Green and husband Rick, Jason Pond and wife Amy; granddaughters Samantha Pond, Madison Pond, and Erinn Green, all of Naples; her sister Donna Knightly and husband Fred of Oxford; her brother Harold (Buddy) Shanning and wife Nancy of West Poland; her many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend Sherry Malloy and husband John of Auburn.

She is predeceased by a brother, Donald McDonald.

A big thank you goes to the nurses Leslie, Lindsay, and Diane of Bridgton Hospital, and the staff of Beacon Hospice.

An open house celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 18 from 1-3 p.m. at Jason and Amy Pond’s house at 182 Casco Rd., Naples.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared with Sharon’s family and friends at www.hallfuneralhome.net.