Sharon Ruth Hicks

Sharon Ruth (Wheeler) Hicks, 84, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born March 11, 1941, she was the daughter of Walter and Marian Wheeler. She grew up in an academic household and graduated from South Onondaga Central Schools, where her father was superintendent. She attended the University of Rochester, earning a degree in German, and went on to complete a master's degree in Education.

After graduating, Sharon raised her family while tutoring and teaching private piano and flute lessons from her home. She later became a middle school German and French teacher at Brighton Middle School, where she taught with fairness, passion and wit. She led several student exchange trips to Bremen, Germany, exposing her students to new cultures and customs, and she also served as a mentor teacher to visiting educators from France, Switzerland and Ghana. During several summers, she worked for a friend's catering service, where she was in her element.

Music remained central throughout her life. For more than two decades, she performed with the Rochester New Horizons groups, including the orchestra, concert band and flute choir. Her home served as a gathering place for hospitality and good humor.

She loved hosting family and friends, and her table was known for beautifully prepared meals and easy laughter. Her cottage on Canandaigua Lake became a familiar stop for members of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra during their summer residency at CMAC (then known as FLPAC), where musicians often stopped in between rehearsal and concert for a swim and a quick homemade meal.

She loved good coffee, laughter, and telling stories. She firmly disliked beans. She lived with resilience, grace, curiosity, and determination matched by quiet strength. She traveled widely over the years, visiting Germany, France, Japan, India, Thailand and Kenya.

She is survived by her children Deborah (Kim) Abell and Michael Hicks; her grandsons Ethan Abell and Matthew Abell; her sister Anne (Paul) Luchsinger; and two nieces. She was predeceased by her parents and a nephew.

A memorial service is planned for the spring; arrangements pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Horizons Music Program of Eastman Community Music School, Office of Advancement, Eastman School of Music, 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester NY 14604 [ Donate Online ] supporting its music programs for learners of all ages