Sharon Dorothy (Welch) Canny passed away on November 17, 2025, at Colebrook Village in Hebron where she made her home for the past five years. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Canny. Sharon was born in Chicago on March 31, 1935, the only child of the late George and Dorothy Hicks Welch. She was educated at Catholic schools in Chicago and New York and received her BA at St. Joseph College in West Hartford. She went on to earn her MA in Library Services from Catholic University, and her lifelong passion was to bring the gift of reading to people of all ages and abilities.

A woman of faith and a devout and lifelong Catholic, Sharon entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1957 and taught in elementary schools and at Lauralton Hall High School as well as summer courses at her alma mater, St. Joseph College. For 14 years, Sharon served as librarian and a teacher of religion and English at Mercy High School in Middletown. At Mercy she was known and loved for directing Drama Club and Children’s Theatre productions and the Mercy/Xavier musicals. Following that, Sharon served as Pastoral Associate at Notre Dame Parish in Durham.

In 1978, Sharon followed a new calling and married Bob, who was the Executive Director of Hospice Care in Rhode Island. During that time, Sharon was hired by the Dever School in Taunton, MA to establish a library for adults with intellectual disabilities, one of her proudest accomplishments. She went on to serve as Children’s Librarian in North Smithfield, RI.

Following Bob’s passing in 1987, Sharon moved back to Connecticut where she enjoyed meeting and spending time with her neighbors and friends in Colchester, especially “the girls” on Fairway Drive, and at Colebrook Village. She was a very active parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at the Church of the Holy Family in Hebron. Sharon also found community at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, MA where she became an Oblate, faithfully made retreats and enjoyed many trips.

Always a lady, gracious and well-dressed, Sharon enjoyed reading, theatre, shopping and especially a glass of wine and a good meal with friends.

Sharon leaves behind her closest and dear friend, Sr. Patricia McKeon, RSM and members of the Canny Family. Sharon had a special gift for making and keeping in touch with good friends at every stage of her life. Lifelong friends who were like family include Sr. Maryanne Malasics, RSM, Walda Woods, Sally Bailey and Rod Reck and his late wife Judy.

Many thanks to those who supported Sharon over the years and especially during her final days, including Madelyn Starkey, the entire staff, caregivers and residents of Colebrook and the staff of Compassus Hospice.

Sharon’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church Street, Amston. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception at the church will immediately follow the funeral. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham MA 02043 or the Residents’ Happy Hour Fund at Colebrook Village, 55 John E. Horton Boulevard, Hebron, CT 06248 or a charity of your choice. 

Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home in Colchester, CT is in charge of arrangements.