Sharon Rose Nicholas

Born June 14, 1966, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Sharon was the beloved oldest daughter of the late Robert Vincent Gilmartin and Mildred May (McDermott) Gilmartin. She grew up in Worcester, where she attended Gates Lane Elementary School and graduated from Holy Name High School. Sharon went on to earn dual degrees in Geography and Art, also with studies in Health, from Worcester State College in 1993. While attending Worcester State, Sharon also completed formal training in floral design and worked as a professional designer for many years. After graduation from Worcester State, she also studied at the University of Southern Mississippi. Continuously learning was a life-long passion of Sharon’s.

While attending Worcester State, Sharon met her then future husband Wayne Nicholas. The two were married in 1994 and relocated to Mississippi and later to Alabama. The couple returned to their roots in 1997, living on Cape Cod and then in central Massachusetts. In 2006, Sharon, her husband and children relocated to Cary, North Carolina, where she continued a life centered around family, friendship, creativity, and compassion. She took great pride in being a devoted wife and mother. She expertly balanced the demands of raising twin boys while coordinating their busy extracurricular schedules.

Sharon never met a stranger. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. A wonderful listener, she was always ready with thoughtful advice, encouragement, and a helping hand. Her warmth, kindness, compassion and quick sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She enjoyed learning new things and was extremely passionate about art, design and helping others.

A devoted wife and mother, Sharon’s family meant everything to her. She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Nicholas, and her cherished twin sons, Samuel and Benjamin. She also leaves behind her brother, Ray Gilmartin of Billerica, Massachusetts; her sister, Roberta Mahlert of Brimfield, Massachusetts; her nephew, Reece; her nieces, Rylee and Linneah; along with many extended family members and lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.

Sharon possessed a strong work ethic and talent for quickly mastering new expertise, having held highly successful professional roles throughout her life. Sharon began working at the age of 14 in retail and during college worked in health care. She worked many years as a professional floral designer, and also as a graphic designer. Sharon had a long career as a customer service professional in various industries including wireless communications, electronic marine navigation and insurance. She concluded her career as a financial associate for a large investment company.

Creative and thoughtful by nature, Sharon enjoyed painting, drawing, mosaics, reading, writing, stained glass design, cooking, and trying new recipes, hobbies that brought her great joy throughout her life. She found happiness in expressing herself artistically and in creating meaningful moments for the people she loved. She was quick to laugh and always eager to help everyone around her.

Throughout her life, Sharon also enjoyed traveling with her family. She especially loved time with her husband and children at the beaches in North and South Carolina, and the mountains of New Hampshire. Sharon was extremely fond of all animals and was a devoted pet owner including dogs and cats for many years of her life.

Sharon will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, generosity, and unwavering love for family and friends. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon's family has asked for memorial contributions in her name to be made to Wake County Animal Shelter at: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/animal-center-donations

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Nicholas family.