STOW - Sharon L. Perkins of Bokeelia, Florida passed away in late May 2026.

She was born in Indiana, the daughter of the late Emily and Phillip Perkins. She grew up on the shores of Lake Huron, an avid water skier, lifeguard, and water sports enthusiast who thereafter was always drawn to the water. She graduated from Port Huron Northern H.S, (Port Huron, MI), and received a B.S. from Michigan State University, and a Masters and Ph.D. from Indiana University in the fields of youth leadership, recreation, and leisure. She was a professor of recreation therapy and leisure studies and taught at Kent State University, University of Toledo, and Ohio University. She later retired to Pine Island, Florida, spending winters there and summers at the family lake cottage in Indiana. During retirement, she was active in a variety of community activities including wildlife rescue, the local Civic Association, AARP Tax-Aide program, land conservancies, and other community groups. She was well known for her work in her community, caring for others, and speaking up for injustice.

She loved Lake Webster sunsets, boat rides, making homemade ice cream with her children and grandchildren and sharing it (in proper ice cream dishes) on Miller’s Landing at Lake Webster.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Wilson, Adam and Ira Zuckerman, four grandchildren that were her greatest pride and joy: Randalyn Dowker, Calvin Dowker (Rhonda), Vivian Zuckerman (Ira), and Ivy Zuckerman (Adam), her siblings, Darcy Perkins (Jim Oliver) of NC and Tony Perkins (Cyn) of Indiana, and several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews, and her very dear companion Tim Heitz.

A memorial service is planned for a later date in Indiana.

Donations may be made in her name to one of the following organizations (all of which are 503(c) organizations and all of which Shari gave generously of her time and resources:

Calusa Land Trust, P.O. Box 216 Bokeelia, FL 33922 [Protecting the natural diversity and beauty of the Pine Island FL by acquiring, managing and preserving in perpetuity environmentally sensitive or historically important land].

FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help) P.O. Box 357, Bokeelia, FL 33922 [FISH supplies medical equipment and rides to doctor appointments for local residents].

CROW (Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc.) 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel FL 34956 [CROW rescues and rehabilitates wild animals].

GPICA (Greater Pine Island Civic Association), P.O. Box 3044, Pine Island, FL33945 [Works to preserve and maintain a desirable, livable community that promotes smart growth and preserve sensitive natural areas].

Beacon of Hope, 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St James City, Fl 33956 [Works to ensure that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to thrive—especially in times of crisis].