Sharon McMahon Obituary

Sharon Lee McMahon, known affectionately to her friends and family as Shari, was a beacon of inspiration. She entered this world on August 10th, 1950, in the bustling city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and on July 9th, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she closed her eyes to rest, having left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
Shari was not just a name but a presence that resonated with love, friendliness, and intelligence. Her journey through life was one of constant learning and teaching, traits that she instilled in the many students who had the privilege of calling her their mentor. After earning her degree in English from Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College), Shari dedicated herself to the noble profession of education. She shaped young minds as a high school English teacher before enriching the lives of many college students as an instructor and professional development coordinator at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston Campus.
Shari's spirit thrived in the classroom, but it was her creative soul that found solace and joy in the arts. A prolific writer, she crafted worlds with her poetic words. Her hands were rarely still, for she found great pleasure in expressing herself as a fiber artist and potter, her creations a tapestry of color and form that warmed homes and hearts alike.
A seamstress of not just fabric but of life's intricate patterns, Shari wove a legacy of compassion and camaraderie. Her zest for life was evident in her travels, especially to her favorite destination, Ireland. She explored the world with the same enthusiasm that she approached every aspect of her life, leaving footprints of kindness and curiosity wherever she roamed.
Shari's family was her pride and joy, her love for them as vast as the ocean. Shari is survived by her daughter, Sarah Alice McMahon, who was her greatest masterpiece, a living testament to Shari's boundless love and wisdom. Her nephew, Richard Taschner, her niece, Elizabeth Suarez-Garita, along with her great-nieces and nephews, Angela Taschner, Nicholas Garita, Natalia Garita, and Gabriella Garita, were the stars in her sky, each one shining brightly with a spark of her loving guidance.
In remembrance of Shari, let us celebrate the life of a woman who exemplified the beauty of a life dedicated to others. Her journey may have come to an end, but her story will be told and re-told, a source of motivation for all who aspire to live with purpose and passion. Shari McMahon's legacy is a tapestry woven from threads of love and learning, a masterpiece that will continue to inspire for generations to come. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sharon Lee "Shari", please visit our floral store.