HALFMOON –

Sharon Ann Durdaller (Barber) passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 5, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Morris and Geraldine Barber. Sharon lived life entirely on her own terms and made no apologies for who she was. Strong-willed, independent, and fiercely devoted to those she loved, she left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Sharon is survived by her loving daughters, Michelle Wesley, Ann Hocher, Kathryn Schaefer, Helen Yarbrough, and Geraldine Svara, along with their spouses. As well as her twelve grandchildren, who were the light of her life and deeply adored. In addition, her three sisters, Anita, Linda, and Nancy, and many nieces and nephews.

She was happiest when she was surrounded by family—playing dice and cards, sharing laughter, or taking trips to the Atlantic City and Saratoga Casinos. Those moments brought her the greatest joy and will be cherished forever by those who shared them with her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine and Morris, her husband, Frank (“Buddy”), her brother Edwin, and her twin granddaughters, Ashley and Valerie Wesley.

In accordance with her wishes, Sharon was cremated and there will be no formal service. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, or heartfelt condolences, and in honor of Sharon’s love and lifelong support of dolphins, the family kindly asks that any donations be made to a program supporting dolphins: https://sarasotadolphin.org

Her legacy lives on through the strength of her family and the memories she created over a lifetime. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, to leave an afterglow of smiles when the day is done.

 I’d like to leave an echo, softly whispering down the way, of happy times and laughing times, of bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, remembering the love and joy I shared when days were done. 

May happy memories comfort you and gently ease the pain, for love once given lives on still, through laughter and refrain.