On August 26, 2026 our beloved mother, Sharon Faye Hutchinson, died peacefully at home, following years of dementia. She was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Hutchinson, who died in 2002.

Born September 18, 1936, in Evansville, Indiana to Eugene Pate and Bessie Townsend, Sharon lived in Evansville until her graduation from Mater Dei Catholic High School. At Mater Dei, Sharon loved being a part of the Catholic community, having fond memories of the nuns and assisting with tasks related to worship services.

Following graduation from Mater Dei, Sharon moved to California, where she met her husband of 45 years. Graduate school for Bruce brought the young couple to Maryland, and they eventually settled in Hamden, CT., where they raised their family and enjoyed being a part of the Southern Connecticut State College faculty and athletics, where they made lifelong friends.

Of all things in life, Sharon most enjoyed being a mother and grandmother, providing loving care for the family. She rarely missed a school recital and spent hours driving to swim team practices and meets, enthusiastically cheering from the stands. Holidays were big events, with traditional meals and Christmas trees decorated to perfection. Sharon was a “good sport” taking to the family’s fondness for athletics, learning to swim, play tennis and golf, even giving snow and water skiing a try. And she loved to dance!

When not with family, Sharon enjoyed being a realtor, working for Kamp and Nielson and Beazley realtors.

Sharon will be greatly missed by her daughter Kim Clarke and her husband John, Kirk Hutchinson and his wife Dori, grandchildren Renee, Ted, Meg and Will, great granddaughter Maeve, and her half siblings Dennis Pate and wife Jessica, and Denise Pate Pelafas.

The family would like to thank the healthcare providers who cared for Sharon, especially Wallingford Masonicare, and Maria, whose loving care provided laughter, joy, and peace for Sharon in her final years.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Tuesday morning, September 29th at 11am at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 59 Main St. Cheshire, CT 06410. There will be no visiting hours. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Sharon’s memory to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

To leave online condolences for Sharon’s family, please visit www.fordfh.com