Obituary of Sharon E Avena

Sharon Avena (Henderson), age 68 passed away after a courageous battle with Covid-19 on August 18, 2021 at Holmes Regional w/ family by her side.  She was the wife of Kenneth Avena, they shared 48 years of marriage together.

Born at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, her family relocated to Connecticut and she graduated from Waterford High School in 1972.  Sharon worked as a waitress for Friendly’s Ice Cream for many years and advanced to manage several stores in the Connecticut area.  Upon relocation to Melbourne, FL in 1993, she became the office manager for Dr. Richard Goulding, MD, ENT.  After a few years as a stay-at-home mom and a successful kidney transplant in 2001, she became the office manager for Ear Care in Suntree where she reunited with long term friends Dr. Karen and Glen Oberbeck.  She worked at Ear Care Suntree until her passing.

Sharon, a former track athlete, enjoyed watching sports (especially UConn Basketball and UF Football) with her family.  She also enjoyed gardening and was known for her green thumb, often bringing clearance plants from Walmart back to life.  Her most cherished times included hosting holidays (especially Christmas morning) and attending family reunions.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth Avena of Melbourne, FL, three children; Jillian (Eric) Mchugh of Stuart, FL, Pamela (Eric) Bradford of Melbourne, FL, and Edward Avena of Melbourne, FL, four siblings; Patricia (Rick) Goulding of Palm Coast, FL, Mark Henderson of Waterford, CT, Margaret Henderson of Waterford, CT, and William Henderson of Waterford, CT, and four grandchildren; Jeffrey Ackerman (22), Lily Bradford (9), Jackson Bradford (6), and Graham Bradford (5).  All of whom will miss her family dinners, and delicious cooking (especially Italian), sweet tea, and card games.

A memorial service with calling hours will be held on Friday August 27, 2021 at Beach Funeral Home (Melbourne Location) from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses https://www.nursingworld.org/foundation/programs/coronavirus-response-fund/ in support of the dedicated and selfless nurses that supported Sharon and her family during her final days. We would like to say a special thank you, to Shelby, Sara, Kimmy, Betsy, Katie, Deb, Becca, and especially Gina.