Michele J. Sharkey DVM

Dr. Michele J. Sharkey "Mish" passed away on February 2, 2022, in her home surrounded by her loving family, friends, and dogs after a long, valiant battle against cancer. Mish's utmost devotion to the well-being of animals and her countless acts of kindness & generosity to all who knew her will leave a lasting impact. Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Charles and Michele Sharkey, Mish grew up in Springfield, PA, attended Villa Maria Academy, and graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. She received her bachelor's degree with great distinction (high honors) in Animal Science and Biotechnology at the University of Delaware and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University. Dr. Sharkey began her career by completing an intensive emergency and internal medicine internship at Friendship Animal Hospital in Washington, DC. She later earned an additional master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. For the last 21 years, Dr. Sharkey worked at the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, specializing in evaluating new animal drugs, including pain and antimicrobials. She spearheaded many educational initiatives, including animal health literacy campaigns, pain in animal workshops, and drug lifecycle courses. She was honored by the FDA with numerous awards, including the Outstanding Service Award. As a leader in pain assessment and analgesics, her work led to the Pain in Animals Workshops at the National Institute of Health (NIH), which advanced how pain is controlled in veterinary and human patients. Dr. Sharkey was a volunteer veterinarian with various animal shelters throughout her career, where she often ended up adopting her patients. A lifelong skilled equestrian, she also volunteered with therapeutic riding programs. A true lover of animals, she was a proud supporter of the Elephant Sanctuary. Mish, a lover of children, spent ten years teaching mentally and physically challenged children. She was the proud godparent to eight godchildren, sponsored multiple children through the Children's Fund International, and regularly supported Project Linus. Mish's proudest role was being "Aunt B" and spoiling her nephew (Will) and niece (Reese) with weeks-long annual tour de force of amusement parks, fairs, outdoor adventures, and trips which took on the moniker "Camp Aunt B." A lifelong devout Catholic, Mish embodied her faith in word and deed. She was a 22-year parishioner at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Eldersburg, MD, and before that, a parishioner and volunteer at St Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. Mish is survived by her mother and father, Charles and Michele Sharkey, her brothers Chuck (Barbara) and Eric (Ashley) Sharkey, nephew and niece William and Reese. Friends and colleagues are invited to celebrate Mish's life with a Memorial Mass at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 915 Liberty Rd, Sykesville, MD 21784, on March 5 at 11:00 AM. Instead of flowers, those desiring to send donations are invited to support Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue "SMCDR," 10236 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee PO Box 393 Hohenwald, TN 38462.