1943 – 2014

NEW GLOUCESTER — Sharon A. Dunlap, 70, of New Gloucester, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Aug. 12, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Lewiston on Sept. 5, 1943, she was the daughter of Harold Mayberry and Lucille Whiting, both of Auburn. Sharon was the devoted wife of Stephen F. Dunlap, a prominent businessman and owner of The Dunlap Corporation, headquartered in Auburn, who predeceased her in October 2010.

Sharon graduated from Edward Little High School in 1961 and was active in the Women’s Hospital Association at Central Maine Medical Center and the Women’s Exchange Club of Auburn.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Sharon cherished her family and excelled at creating special memories by hosting festive holiday gatherings for her family and friends, as well as business events for her husband. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and close friends, gardening and needlepoint, and was a concert pianist in her younger years.

She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Dunlap Avasthi and husband, Varun Avasthi, of Durham and Jennifer Dunlap Markson of Hopkinton, Mass.; four grandchildren, including Evan and Elizabeth Avasthi of Durham, Douglas Markson of Washington, D.C., and Ashley Markson of Hopkinton, Mass.; a brother, Stephen Mayberry, of Oakland; and her nieces, Brianne Lawry and Lynn and Sarah Mayberry. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Catherine Thorpe and husband, Robert, of Auburn; a niece, Terrilyn DeCoster, and grandnieces, Sabina and Isabella, of New Gloucester; and a nephew, Lane DeCoster and his wife, Janis, of Cheshire, Conn.

Those wishing to share a memory or an online condolence may visit www.thefortingroupauburn.com.


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