Sharon A. Gough

Sharon Ann Gough, age 64, of Wayne passed Thursday, June 29, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Sharon was born to Albert and Ruth Backus and grew up in Pompton Lakes, NJ. After graduating high school she was employed by the US Postal Service.  Unbeknownst to her, she was working with her future father-in-law who set them up on their first date in 1979. After 3 years she married the love of her life, Kurt Gough. They started building their beautiful life together and welcomed their pride and joy into the world, their son Michael, in 1986. 

Sharon proudly graduated from William Paterson University with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1995. She began her beloved career as a Registered Nurse and was well known for her passionate, caring, and loving nature. She worked in various disciplines until finding her calling in oncology. After 15 years Sharon began working at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne, where she worked closely with co-worker and friend Dr. Stephan Dorkhom until her passing. Her co-workers and patients were like family.

Sharon joined the Wayne First Aid Squad in 1999 (member number: 391) where she proudly donated her time to serve the community. She was a very active member in this organization and was involved in running many tricky trays and wet downs. This organization became a family affair when her husband and son joined her and they would take many calls together. She was recognized as EMT of the Year in 2007 and honorably received the prestigious Kathleen Bolan Memorial Award in 2008.

Sharon was well known for her love of cooking and baking; she could spend all day in the kitchen. She enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casino to win the big one and enjoyed fishing to catch the big one. Sharon loved her annual trips to Florida, where she was always on the hunt to find a new casino. She enjoyed sewing. She had a love for animals, loved to watch the deer and feed the birds off her deck. She especially loved her poodles (AKA “The Girls”), Katie and Ally.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Kurt; her son Mike and his wife Amanda; her brother-in-law Wayne and his wife Linda of Hackettstown; and her brother Albert and his wife Kimberly of Kinnelon. Sharon also leaves behind a niece, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert Backus, Sr. and Ruth Backus (Barkenbush). 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated. (https://www.waynefirstaid.com/donate.php)