November 19, 1952 ~ November 16, 2024
Sharon Orcutt Obituary
Sharon Lynne Orcutt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend
PORTVILLE — Sharon Lynne Orcutt passed away peacefully at her home in Portville, NY on November 16, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Sharon was born on November 19, 1952, in Hornell, NY, the daughter of Thorl J. (Pudge) and Phyllis Irene Drake (née Ide). On September 4, 1971she married David Orcutt at St. John’s Catholic Church in Olean, NY; a union that lasted 53 years.
Sharon was a proud graduate of Alfred-Almond High School, Class of 1970, and Olean Business Institute, Class of 1971. She devoted over 40 years of her career to Olean Advanced Products (AVX) as a secretary, where she was well respected for her hard work and dedication.
Sharon’s greatest joy was her family, and she cherished the time spent with them, particularly at the family cottage on Waneta Lake. She and David later purchased the cottage from her parents and created countless memories with their children, grandchildren and friends. Sharon was an adventurous spirit, enjoying cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, target shooting and exploring the great outdoors through biking, hiking, and fishing. She also had a deep love of reading, passing down her passion for books to her children and grandchildren, all of whom are avid readers and writers.
In recent years, Sharon and David embarked on many incredible journeys, traveling across the United States. By train, plane, and car, they visited 46 of the lower 48 states, with their favorite mode of travel being Amtrak. Along with their shared love for adventure, Sharon and David also enjoyed cooking while experimenting with new recipes. She was past president of the North Portville Cemetery Association and was especially proud of their work mapping the cemetery to identify and document the location of those interred there. She was a volunteer at the Pfeifer Nature Center and a long-time member of the Portville Conservation Club.
Sharon was known for her kindness, warmth, and generosity. She had a rare ability to make friends with anyone she met, often brightening their day with a sincere compliment or a thoughtful word. Her family will always remember her for the “giving glows” she passed down to her children and grandchildren, inspiring them to show kindness to others in small and meaningful ways. Sharon was a deeply spiritual soul, always helping others in need and treating those around her with love and respect. She was especially close to many friends who became like family, including Diane and Scott Duffney, who were treasured in her heart.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Thorl (Pudge) and Phyllis Drake. She is survived by her husband, David Orcutt, of Portville, NY; her daughter, Shawn Michelle Orcutt (Jim Elkin) of Penn Yan, NY; her son, Ronald Thomas (Jennifer) Orcutt of Hammondsport, NY; her brother, Harry Drake; her niece, Brenda (Mark) Pence; grandchildren Darby Rose Bleakley, Gabriel Drake Orcutt, Alex Bergan, and Adilene Nelson; her uncle, Bill Ide; and many beloved cousins and friends. She also leaves behind her faithful dog, Reba Rose.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Roswell Park, as well as Michelle Ransom and the staff at Home Care and Hospice, for their compassionate care in Sharon’s final days.
Sharon’s love, laughter, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
There will be no visitation, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sharon’s memory to The Pfeifer Nature Center in Portville, the Portville Free Library, or Home Care and Hospice, three causes that were close to her heart. Arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., Portville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.
