Sharon R. Wilkins

Sharon Lynn Rainsberger Wilkins, born June 6, 1947, in Canton, Ohio, was the beloved youngest child of Eva (Fisher) and Horace Dilbert Rainsberger, both proud Ohio natives.

Sharon grew up in Painesville, Ohio, where her mother taught grammar school and her father served as Assistant School Superintendent and a respected high school sports official. She was an active and spirited student, participating in marching band and 4-H. Sharon graduated from Harvey High School and Baldwin Wallace College, later earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University.

Her professional life was marked by compassion, dedication, and advocacy. Sharon devoted 35 years to the Department of Developmental Services, retiring in 2012. She began her career at the Wrentham Developmental Center as a clinical social worker, providing care and support to adults with intellectual disabilities. Her exceptional clinical skills and natural ability to mentor others led to a supervisory role, which she held until transferring to the Taunton/Attleboro Area Office. There, she continued her mission as an Area Social Worker, always championing the dignity and well-being of those she served.

Colleagues remember Sharon not only for her professional excellence but for her warmth, generosity, and steady presence. She was a calming force, a thoughtful listener, and a source of comfort to many. Her homemade cookies—shared freely and often—became a signature gesture of kindness and connection.

Faith was a guiding force in Sharon’s life. She was a devoted member of her church community and found great joy in teaching Bible study, where her warmth, insight, and gentle spirit inspired meaningful reflection and connection. Her dedication to spiritual growth and fellowship touched many lives and reflected the compassion she carried into every aspect of her life.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Sharon cheered passionately for her favorite teams: The Ohio State, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Red Sox. Whether watching a game with family or catching highlights with friends, her enthusiasm was infectious and her loyalty unwavering.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 33 years, Donald Wilkins; her sons, Jay Fratello and family of Ocala, FL, and Nicholas Fratello and family of Bedford, MA; and her stepchildren, Benjamin Wilkins and family of Burlington, VT, Charles Wilkins of Providence, RI, and Emily Wilkins Clark-Walton and family of Bothell, WA. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Rainsberger and family of Dover, OH, and her sister, Ellen Batchelder and family of Lawrenceville, GA.

Sharon had a deep and abiding love for her grandchildren—Madigan, Addison, Brooklyn, Tristan, Quentin, Alex, Owen, and Spencer—whom she adored and delighted in spoiling. Whether through thoughtful gifts, shared adventures, or simply her joyful presence, she made each grandchild feel uniquely cherished.

Calling hours are Friday, October 10, from 4 to 6 P.M. at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, at 10:00 A.M. in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery.