Sharon Whitby Death: This is a very difficult post—one I meant to write earlier, but the weight of grief has made it almost impossible to find the right words. Yesterday, we said goodbye to my beautiful sister, Sharon Whitby. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her most—her family and her closest friends—her final moments held in warmth, love, and laughter. As heartbreaking as it is, there’s comfort in knowing she left this world embraced by that same love she so freely gave throughout her life.
Sharon was more than a sister—she was a constant presence in my life. She was my confidante, my cheerleader, my reality check, and my friend. Her passing has left a hole that feels impossible to fill, and the shock of losing her still feels unreal. Grief is a strange, heavy thing—it wraps itself around you, colors everything, and slows time to a crawl. But even as I sit here in the grip of sorrow, I want to honor her the way she deserves—with love, with gratitude, and with memories that capture who she truly was.
Sharon had a way about her that was all her own. She was bright and bold, with a spirit that drew people to her. She had the kind of laugh that could fill a room and a smile that could warm even the darkest day. But what I’ll remember most is her heart—generous, kind, and always open. She made time for people, really listened, and had a way of making you feel like you mattered. No matter how busy life got, she was never too far. She was the type of person who remembered birthdays, who checked in just because, and who knew when you needed someone even if you hadn’t said a word.
Sharon Whitby Gillingham Dorset Obituary: Display Design Of St Martin-In-The-Fields Student Has Died
To know Sharon was to be seen and loved without judgment. She had this incredible gift for lifting people up and making them believe in themselves. She was the first to celebrate your wins and the first to hold your hand through the tough times. And oh, how she loved to laugh—laughter was like music in our family home, and Sharon was often the one playing the tune.
I think about the way she could tell a story—animated, hilarious, full of life—and how she had this ability to turn even the simplest moment into something memorable. Whether it was a family gathering, a casual phone call, or an impromptu road trip, Sharon brought joy to the moment. That’s the legacy she leaves behind—not just the big milestones, but the everyday memories that made life with her so special.
She was incredibly close to Mum and Dad, and I take solace in the thought that they are reunited now. I imagine them together, catching up on lost time, probably laughing just like they used to. Sharon missed them deeply, and the thought of her finding peace in their arms again is one of the only comforts I can hold on to right now.
Family meant everything to Sharon. She was a fierce protector, a thoughtful sister, and a nurturing presence. She had the kind of strength that didn’t need to be loud—steady, quiet, and always there when it mattered. In her presence, you felt grounded. You felt safe. And even in her final moments, she gave us the gift of peace, choosing to leave this world surrounded by love, light, and the people who meant everything to her.
To Sharon’s closest friends—thank you. You were her chosen family, her soul sisters, her anchors. Your love for her never went unnoticed, and I know she felt it every day. The bond you shared with her was something rare and beautiful, and your presence by her side in her final days meant more than words can express.
There’s so much more I want to say—so many memories I want to share, so many things I wish I had told her more often. I wish I had more time. I wish this wasn’t real. But in the end, I know she’d want us to keep living. She’d want us to carry her spirit forward in how we treat each other, how we laugh, how we love, and how we show up for the people in our lives.
Grief, as overwhelming as it feels now, is the price of love. And my love for Sharon is endless. She touched so many lives in ways she probably never even realized. And now, it’s our turn to carry that love forward, to honor her by living with the same kind of heart that she gave to us.
So today, I say goodbye not just to a sister, but to a part of myself. Sharon, thank you for being my guiding light, my safe place, and my forever friend. I will miss you every single day. I will miss your laugh, your voice, your advice, and your fierce loyalty. But I will carry you with me in everything I do.
You are not gone. You are in the stories we tell, in the love we continue to give, and in the lives you changed just by being you. Rest peacefully, my sweet sister. You are free now, reunited with Mum and Dad, and forever wrapped in the love you gave so generously.
We will miss you more than words can ever say—but we will love you always.