Sharon Otteni Sampson, DuPont retiree
Sharon Otteni Sampson, 73, of Harbeson, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully with her husband at her side Thursday, June 30, 2022. Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of Louise M. (Bouthillet) and Robert Otteni. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1966, where she played basketball, softball and field hockey. She attended Catawba College in North Carolina. Sharon had a 40-year career with DuPont Company, starting at the experimental station and progressing to levels of increasing responsibility and retiring in 2014 as facilities manager (FSR&E).
In addition to her parents, Sharon was predeceased by her daughter, Dana Scott, in 2013. She is survived by her partner of 31 years and husband of 10 years, Mark S. Ayers; her daughter, Andrea Mattson (Bill) of Bear; her stepson, Jason Ayers (Allison) of Hockessin; her stepdaughter, Tara DiCecco (Steve) of Harbeson; and her grandchildren, Ryan, Julia, Ava, Leah, Madison, Sydney, Liam, Nicholas and Daniel. She is also survived by her brothers, Bob Otteni (Gail) of LaPine, Ore., and Steve Otteni of Ketchikan, Ark.; and nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.
Sharon was a tremendous organizer and loved throwing parties, where she was not only the hostess but also the life of the party. She enjoyed traveling to Cancun with her husband and friends, and also to Paris, St. Maarten, Switzerland, California, Arizona and Florida in the winter.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington. An additional viewing will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, at Mealey Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be made at mealeyfuneralhomes.com.
