Sharon (Randall) Houghton Abrams

WINSLOW – Sharon (Randall) Houghton Abrams, 76, passed away peacefully at her home on March 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sharon was born July 16, 1949, in Waterville, Maine, to Murray and Bertha Randall. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1967 and the University of Maine at Farmington in 1971. Over the course of her career, she served as a teacher, licensed social worker, and nonprofit executive, dedicating her life to helping children and families.

In 1973, Sharon joined the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers (MCH) as the first teacher in its Teen Parent School Program, where she made a lasting difference in the lives of many young families in the Waterville community. She later served in the adoption program as a licensed social worker, became Assistant Director, and in 1992 was named Executive Director. Under her leadership, the agency grew and thrived, guided by her compassion, humility, and deep commitment to those it served. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

After dedicating 41 years to the MCH, Sharon retired in 2014. She continued working part time in the adoption program for several years. Most recently, she enjoyed serving as a substitute teacher in the Winslow School District, continuing to connect with and encourage young people.

Outside of her work, Sharon cherished time with family and friends and loved to travel, especially to Aruba and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Sharon was proud of her Canadian heritage, and in her final days she was granted her long-held wish of acquiring dual citizenship.

She was most proud of her family and loved them deeply and unconditionally. The memories they created together will forever remain a lasting source of comfort and joy.

She was predeceased by her parents, Murray and Bertha Randall; her beloved husband, Donald Abrams; and her sister-in-law, Kathryn Houghton Cioppa.

She is survived by her brother, John Randall (wife Cindy) of Cape Neddick, Maine, sister, Linda Harrigan (husband David) of Windham, Maine; son, Shawn Houghton (wife Heather) of South China, Maine, daughter, Tammy Houghton-Lunt (husband Eric) of Fairfield, Maine; stepdaughters Eleanor Abrams of Durham, NH and Cindy Randall (husband John) of Cape Neddick, Maine, and stepsons Paul Abrams Briggs (wife Patricia) of Albuquerque, NM and Andy Abrams (wife Paula) of Byron, Minn.

Her grandchildren, who were the lights of her life, include Jacob Houghton (wife Ciera) of Palermo, Maine, Peyton, Easton, and Blake Houghton of South China, Maine, Mason Lunt (wife Cassidy) of Albion, Maine, Gavin Lunt of Fairfield, Maine, Jackson Hale (wife Maddy) of Fort Worth, Texas,, Sam Hale of Durham, NH, Hailey Abrams of Buffalo, NY, and Kyra Abrams of Rochester, Minn. She also leaves great-grandchildren Chace Houghton, Riley Hale, and Beckham Lunt.

Sharon also leaves behind a treasured circle of friends, cousins and several very special nieces and nephews who meant the world to her.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time. A special thank you to MaineGeneral Palliative Care/Hospice for providing guidance and comfort during Sharon’s brief illness.