Sharon Smith

BALDWIN — Sharon E. Smith, 72, of Baldwin, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a brief illness.

She was born in Portland on Oct. 2, 1943, a daughter of Bernard and Bernice Nicholson, and was educated in Gorham schools. She was always a devoted homemaker and has been married to her husband, Al Smith Sr., for 53 years. They have lived in Baldwin for the last 28 years.

Sharon was actively involved in the Shriners and Red Hatter Organization, which became extended family to her. She enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, gardening, and dancing. She always attended the Fryeburg Fair and looked forward to it every year. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest and most memorable achievement is the cohesive family she leaves behind. She was also a mother figure to many others who adored her. She loved family gatherings and having everyone together. She was so excited this past Thanksgiving when all of her children were together, which hadn’t happened in years.

Surviving are her beloved husband, Al Smith Sr.; children, Al Smith Jr., Glynn Smith, Linda Ritchie, Terry Farrin and George Smith; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; siblings, Glynn Nicholson, Faye Jones, Judy Rodenbeck and Sandra Emery.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. immediately followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m. all at the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street, Cornish. Pastor Will Kindred will officiate. Burial will be in the spring. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wnyfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 1626, Bangor, ME 04402, or The Kora Shriners, 11 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.