Sharon Hawley

SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — M. Sharon Hawley, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2026.

Born in Lockport, New York, on September 19, 1940, Sharon was the daughter of James and Mary (Neelon) Ryan. She graduated from DeSales High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Niagara University, beginning what would become an extraordinary and deeply impactful career.

Sharon devoted her life’s work to the field of drug and alcohol addiction treatment and recovery. She was a CEAP  at Recovery Resources in Cleveland where she was known for her compassion and belief in the people she served. A gifted and dedicated  substance abuse professional she changed countless lives, offering hope, dignity, and steady guidance to those fighting their way back. Her work was never just a profession—it was her calling.

Proud of her own 47 years of sobriety and her lifelong commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous, Sharon gave back in the most meaningful ways, sponsoring dozens of individuals and walking alongside them in their journeys. She understood struggle firsthand and met it with empathy, strength, and a fierce desire to help others succeed. Her legacy in recovery reaches far beyond what can be counted, living on in the many lives she helped restore.

In 1982, Sharon was a founding force behind the building of New Directions Youth Recovery Center in Solon, Ohio, a facility and organization that served young people battling addiction; the center remained open until last year. This work remained one of her greatest sources of pride.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sharon’s heart belonged fully to her family. As a mother and grandmother, she was vibrant, fun-loving, and endlessly supportive. She celebrated her children and grandchildren with a joyful spirit, offering unconditional love, laughter, and encouragement through every stage of life. She had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special, and her presence brought warmth and light to those around her.

On May 20, 1995, she married David Hawley. Together, they built a life rooted in love, friendship, shared Christian faith, and deep companionship, blending their families into one. They cherished their time together, especially their travels with family to the Outer Banks.

Sharon found joy in life’s simple pleasures—gardening, baking, knitting, and reading—and was an active and devoted member of Harvest Church, where she was also a past board  member.

She is survived by her loving children: Kristin (Bob) Sutter, Tim (Barbara) Davin, Amy (Jim Murphy) Davin, Patrick (Michelle) Davin, Heather (Stephen) Kingsley, and David (Meg) Hawley; and by her grandchildren, whom she adored: Paul (Kelli) Sutter, Kenny (Rose) Sutter, Matthew (Nicole) Sutter, Sarah Ulisse, Samantha (Daniel) Svoboda , Taylor (Alex) Hudock, Meghan Ulisse, Rachel (Brian) Spencer, Maddison Murphy, Christopher Kingsley, and Jordan Kingsley. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Roseanne (Mike) O’Byrne; her sister-in-law, Ellen Ryan; her nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David, in 2011; and her brother, David Ryan.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 15, at Harvest Church, 8625 Center Rd. (Rt. 45), Austinburg, Ohio. Calling hours will be from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:30 a.m. A memorial luncheon will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s name to Harvest Church.

Sharon’s family extends heartfelt thanks to her dear friends, Carolyn and Carl Hanzelka, for the steadfast friendship and support they gave her over the years.

Sharon will be remembered for the lives she helped heal, the hope she never stopped giving, and the love she poured into her family every single day.

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