Sharon Walker Hardin

March 26, 2025

Sharon Ann Hardin, affectionately known as Rose, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. She was 80 years old.

Sharon Ann Walker was born on June 26,1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio to parents Margaret Lambert Walker and Charles Thomas Walker. She was the third of their nine children and the first daughter of four girls.

Sharon attended Cardinal Pacelli Grade School and Summit Country Day School where she excelled academically and embraced every athletic opportunity. She loved her circle of friends at Summit; this group gathered regularly and as recently as 2023.

Sharon lived a life rich in creativity, intellect, and connection. She studied at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Design, Art and Architecture, and furthered her education with studies in Art History at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and Marketing and Management at Harvard’s Extension School. From 1962 to 1965, she immersed herself in culture and learning, participating in the choir at St. John the Divine and attending the Alliance Française in New York City. Sharon spent the early years of her career in fashion, marketing, and new business development, serving key roles in corporate marketing solutions.

Throughout her life, Sharon “Rose” called Wayland, MA; Vero Beach, FL; and Westport, MA home, and in each place, she was a vibrant and engaged member of the community. She was a devoted wife to the late DeWitt Hardin Jr., a loving mother, and a fiercely loyal friend. Her warmth and generosity were most often on display around the dinner table—she was an exceptional host and an accomplished chef.

A woman of many talents and passions, Sharon was an avid reader, a dedicated gardener, and a lifelong patron of the arts. Her athleticism shone through her love of golf, paddle, and tennis. As a long time member of the Acoaxet Club in Westport, MA, she won the Class A golf championship in multiple years, had two notable hole-in-ones, and was awarded the coveted Delano Trophy 21 times during her reign. She loved to play golf at Acoaxet, but more importantly she loved to play golf with her friends.

As an exceptional fine arts painter, she commissioned pieces for clients and friends and has more than 50 placements in homes and businesses around the globe. She was a proud member of the South Coast Artists Association as a participating artist on their Open Studio Tour for over 5 years. She was also a valued art contributor and supporter to the Westport River Watershed Alliance fundraising efforts.

Rose’s legacy lives on through her children: DeWitt (Ashley) Hardin III (Trey), Erica (Tim) Leahy, Skye (Jim) Lynch, and Tenley Hardin (John Kristensen); and her ten beloved grandchildren: Emily, Grace, DeWitt IV (Witt), Walker, Sloan, Harper, Emmet, Sawyer, June, and Konrad.

Sharon was predeceased by brothers Stephen Walker and Richard Walker both of Cincinnati. She is survived by her siblings Grant Walker (Arvada, Colorado), Christine/Barranca Walker (Murphys California), Brian Walker ( Fort Walton Beach, Florida), Dennis Walker (Denver, Colorado), Jeanne Walker McAllister (Little Compton, Rhode Island) and Susan Walker (Oregon).

She will be remembered for her boundless spirit, deep curiosity, artistic vision, and the love she so freely gave to all who knew her.

A private family service will be held, and a celebration of Rose’s life will be planned for later. The family encourages donations to the Westport River Watershed Alliance or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.