Barbara Ann Sharkey

Barbara Ann Sharkey (née Coffey), 67, of Cumming, GA, passed away on October 5, 2023, surrounded by her husband and children.

She was born January 5, 1956, in Troy, NY, to Mary and Thomas Coffey, the second of their seven children. Their family moved several times before settling in Atlanta, Georgia, where Barbara met the love of her life. She and John T. Sharkey married in Atlanta on December 31, 1977, and were still happily wed 46 years later.

Barbara's warm heart and generosity of spirit were felt by all who knew her. She worked for a number of years for the family business, World Wide Manufacturing, before pursuing a calling as an educator. She was a believer in the principles of Montessori and brought her talents first to the classroom and then to a director position before retiring to explore her passions.

She was a true devotee of the arts—an accomplished painter, a lover of music, and the world’s best teacher to any child with an interest in crafts. She was most at home by the water, sailing Lake Lanier, walking the beach on St. George, or spending time with her family in St. John. Barbara was an avid traveler, exploring the globe from Europe to Asia and many places in between with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She lived a wonderful life and died much loved and with no regrets.

Barbara was known for her compassion, her innate curiosity, and her creativity. She was never without a book, and if you heard a group of people laughing in a room, you knew she would be at the center of it. She had a legendary smile, and her door was always open.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband, John, and children Keenan (Michael) and Joseph, and her two grandchildren, Flynn and Wyatt; her six siblings, Thomas Coffey (Teresa), Mary Hnatyk (Richard), Carole Pittman (Roger), Nancy Verrecchia (James), Suzanne Coffey, and Michael Coffey (Susan). Her memory is also cherished by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Much loved, she will be dearly missed. The family will be hosting a private celebration of life in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Barbara's memory. (pancan.org)