Sharon Hannaford Bourke

Sharon Hannaford Bourke, 56, of Windsor Locks passed away peacefully on May 25, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Sharon leaves behind her two sons, Logan Bourke and his wife, Samantha, of Portland and Torin Bourke, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in New Jersey.

Sharon was born Jan. 22, 1957, to the late George H. Hannaford and Mildred (Wherry) Hannaford. Sharon graduated from East Windsor High School, class of 1975, and continued her education at the University of New Haven, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. After completing her education Sharon began a career in public safety as a police dispatcher, the first five years with the South Windsor Police Department and the last 18 years with the East Windsor Police Department. Sharon was always known as a loving, caring, generous person, willing to help anyone at any time. Sharon always gave of herself to others with no expectation of anything in return, this being evident in both her professional career and personal life. Sharon will always be remembered for her sense of humor.

Sharon adored her family and friends, especially her sons and twin sister, Kris, enjoying every moment spent with them. Sharon loved animals of all types, especially her beloved cat, Harley, and her three cherished dogs, Sadie, Riley, and Teddy. In addition to her two sons, Sharon leaves behind her twin sister and best friend, Kristen Hannaford Baker and her partner, Deborah Laduke, of Windsor Locks; brother, Michael Hannaford and his wife, Melanie, of Windsor Locks, and brother, Richard Hannaford and his wife, Lempi, of Vernon. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews, James Baker, Jessica Baker, Jessica's daughter, Emily Jeffers, whom Sharon always had a special place in her heart for and whom she truly adored, Jodie Baker, Michael Hannaford, Andrew Hannaford, Janice Hannaford, Alan Hannaford, Helen Benton, Nathan Benton, Drew Benton, and Harry Benton. Sharon is also survived by her ex-husband, Donald Bourke of Windsor Locks, whom she remained very good friends with, Donald's father, Edward Bourke, and Donald's sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Diane and husband, Dr. Robert Benton, of New York. Sharon left behind a second family, that being the members of the East Windsor Police Department, whom she truly respected as colleagues and friends. The members of the department were very supportive of Sharon during her battle with cancer. Sharon thanks those who sent cards and flowers and who took time to visit her at both the hospital and her home. Your show of unity and support shall never be forgotten.

Sharon's family would like to thank the 6th floor nursing staff at St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Jaykmur Thumar of the hematology and oncology department at St. Francis Medical Group, and Masonicare, with special gratitude to Lisa Spencer, Sharon's hospice nurse, for their care of Sharon during her illness.

Relatives and friends may gather with her family during calling hours on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bassinger and Dowd Funeral Home, 37 Gardner St., East Windsor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at 10 a.m., at St. Philip Church, 150 S. Main St., East Windsor. Burial will follow at the Springdale Cemetery, Main Street, Warehouse Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any animal shelter/rescue facility and/or cancer research/hospice facility of the donor's choice.

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