Sharon “Mama/Nana” Bennett Clougher (age 72) went to heaven on Thursday, November 7, surrounded by her loving family.
Sharon L. Bennett, daughter of Chester and Elizabeth Bennett, was born on October 16, 1947 in Neptune, New Jersey. Sharon spent her early years in Belmar, graduating from Manasquan High School in 1966. She has resided in Ocean County since 1976 and was preceded in death by Arthur Burton, her longtime loving companion of over twenty five years.
Surviving Sharon are her four children: Patricia DeAnni and husband, Anthony; John Hughes and wife, Debbie; Jaime Guenard and husband, Hayward; Shannon Redshaw and husband, Andrew; and her six grandchildren: Joseph and Tori DeAnni; Samantha Hughes; Hamilton Guenard; and Andrew and Brayden Redshaw.
Sharon wore many different hats throughout her lifetime: waitress at Schiano’s in Belmar, bartender at Bayville Elks Lodge, and part owner of B&B Cleaners. Lastly, she worked the past 15 years as a Secretary with the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools, loving and caring so deeply about every student who passed through OCVTS’ halls. Sharon used to say that the best part about her job was when students would stop by her desk to share a story about their lives. No matter what she was doing, Sharon would stop and listen, making students feel treasured and respected. She had a smile for everyone and a secret stash of candy to make life a little sweeter if you were having a rough day.
Sharon’s most challenging yet rewarding occupation of all was that of a Mother and homemaker. She was devoted and active in the lives of her children, wearing the hat of “Soccer Mom” for Trish and John and “Cheer Mom” for Jaime and Shannon. Sharon’s love and enthusiasm, however, extended far beyond just her own children. With an amazing spirit and immeasurable kindness, Sharon made everyone she met feel cared for and important. She loved all whom she encountered with the entirety of her heart and was Mama and Nana to all those she considered family. Years after her children left the sport, Mama Sharon still organized the trophy awards for the Beachwood Soccer Club, and her favorite pastime was entertaining, from happy hours to a packed house for holiday gatherings. She made everyone feel welcomed and truly believed in the philosophy that the “more the merrier.”
Sharon was very proud of her Irish heritage and loved all things Disney, especially Mickey Mouse. She arranged many family trips to Disney World, “the happiest place on earth,” and planned annual visits to Disney on Ice with her grandchildren. Sharon spent her life bringing people together, both at home and at work. She leaves a legacy of LOVE, both given and received, that will echo across the years in the stories told and memories shared by family, those of blood and those blessed to be named by Sharon as “hers.”
A mass will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 10am at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Avenue, Toms River. Following, a celebration of life will be held at Noon at Toms River Elks Lodge 1875, 600 Washington Street, Toms River.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory to: Sharon Clougher Scholarship Fund for OCVTS students at 137 Bey Lea Road, Toms River, NJ, 08753 would be appreciated.
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