Mary Sharon Cushing

Mary Sharon Cushing, known to family and friends as Sharon, was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, caring sister, and treasured friend. A social worker, educator, and school counselor, she devoted much of her life to supporting children and families. Sharon passed away on August 30, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sharon was born on June 15, 1941, in Bloomington, Illinois. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in social work. After moving to Hawaii, she continued her education, earning her teaching credentials from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and later a master’s degree in school counseling from Chaminade University in Honolulu.

Sharon began her career as a social worker and spent more than 40 years as an educator and school counselor. She was a passionate advocate for children and brought compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to their well-being to her work. During her many years in Hawaii, she touched the lives of generations of students and families. She believed deeply in the potential of young people and found great purpose in helping them learn, grow, overcome challenges, and discover their own strengths.

In 1965, Sharon married Joseph Cushing, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than 61 years. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, shared experiences, and an enduring devotion to one another.

Sharon embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong sense of what mattered to her. She was a devoted supporter of her children and grandchildren, cheering and “coaching” from the sidelines at countless tennis, lacrosse, and softball games. She appreciated art, loved to cook and garden, and enjoyed traveling the world. She was interested in people, places, and ideas, and remained engaged with the world around her throughout her life.

Hawaii held an especially important place in Sharon’s heart. She lived there for 33 years, raising her family, building a meaningful career, and creating a close community of friends and colleagues. The islands and the friendships she formed there remained an important part of her life long after she left.

After returning to the Midwest and settling in Wisconsin, Sharon remained actively engaged in her community and in the causes she cared about. She was an active Democrat and a member of Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church in Racine. Both reflected values that were important to her throughout her life: compassion, inclusion, service, social responsibility, and concern for the well-being of others.

Above all, Sharon cherished her family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph; her sister, Suzanne Broderick; her children, Lisa and Jim Cushing; and her grandchildren, Alexander and Hannah Cushing, and Joseph O’Heir, and Aidyn O’Heir.

Sharon will be remembered for her generous spirit, her devotion to her family, and her lifelong commitment to children. She expressed her love in both large and small ways, in the work she devoted herself to, the friendships she nurtured, the meals she prepared, the gardens she tended, the games and matches she attended, and the encouragement and steadfast support she gave to the people she loved.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Avenue, Saturday, November 7, 2026, 3 pm with Rev Dr Tony Larsen officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 2-3 pm.