Sharon G Ballard

Sharon G. Ballard, 70, of Rotterdam, NY, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Born on October 20, 1945, she was the daughter of the late George and Ethel Gardner. Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Eugene "Jerry" Ballard, whom she married on April 12, 1969. Sharon and Jerry were avid hikers early in their marriage and had many great adventures. Over the years, they continued to find joy in spending time outdoors with family "Up North" at Sacandaga Lake and camping with their children. Sharon was the beloved mother of Deloria Ballard-Hubbell (Robert) and Stacey Magliaro (Jeremy), both of Albany, NY, and grandmother to Ella, Adeline, Analise, Hannah, Julian and Maeve. She is also survived by her sisters, Nanci Jacobs (Peter) of Fort Collins, CO, and Marsha Roberts (Dennis) of Broadalbin, NY; brother, Gary Gardner (late Eileen) of Rotterdam, NY; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Bruce Gardner of Ohio, and her mother-in-law Valaria "Nina" Rose of Rotterdam, NY. As a young woman, Sharon worked as a secretary for her father's business, Gardner's Refrigeration. Later she focused on raising her two daughters, and dedicated much of her spare time to helping others. She was a member of the Schonowe Fire Company Women's Auxiliary, raised money for the American Heart Association, and used her talent as a hairdresser to service many elderly and homebound people. The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to Becky and Wendy for helping to take care of Sharon over the past couple of years. They would also like to thank the Ellis Hospital nursing staff for the hard and important work they do each day. A celebration of Sharon's life will be held on Tuesday afternoon September 27th at 1 pm at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Ave., Schenectady, NY with a visitation at the funeral home from 12 to 1pm prior to her services. Sharon had a love of animals that she passed on to her children. Donations in Sharon's memory may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave. Scotia, NY 12302.