Sharon Colleen Calisto

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.” — Author unknown It is with deep sorrow, profound love, and enduring gratitude that we mourn the passing of Sharon Colleen Calisto (née Gough) of Grasonville, Maryland, on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Sharon passed peacefully at her home after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her devoted husband, Rodney, held her hand as she slipped away, and her sister was close by—just as she always had been throughout Sharon’s life. Sharon was born on September 3, 1968, in Washington, D.C., to James and Eileen Gough. She was raised in Hyattsville—also known as Lewisdale, as those who know will smile and understand. From the very beginning, Sharon possessed a quiet strength, a quick wit, and a heart that leaned naturally toward kindness. She attended Catholic school for all twelve years of her education, a foundation that shaped her steadfast faith. Sharon’s belief in God never wavered, and she lived that faith through generosity and compassion, always ready to help those in need and to support charities she felt truly mattered. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Sharon began her working life at Shoppers Food Warehouse, where she spent seven years while living in Greenbelt. After she and Rodney settled in Grasonville, Sharon joined the United States Department of Agriculture, where her work brought her into close partnership with the farmers of Queen Anne’s County. Through that work, she formed many lifelong friendships rooted in mutual respect and genuine affection. Sharon retired in February 2025, and although she may not have missed the work itself, she deeply missed her coworkers—who made sure she knew how much her presence was still felt and cherished. Sharon’s love for family and friends was unwavering and unmatched. She was a loyal friend through and through, especially evident in the devoted care she gave to her dear friend Julie, whom she visited often after Julie entered a nursing home. Sharon showed up—for the big moments and the quiet ones alike. Rodney Calisto entered Sharon’s life first as a friend. Their relationship was purely platonic in the beginning, filled with conversations about the dates they were having with other people. Then, one day, Sharon realized she had grown quite fond of this “clown,” as she lovingly called him, and invited him to join her family on a summer vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. From that point forward, they were inseparable. Sharon and Rodney were married on September 7, 1990, beginning a life together filled with laughter, companionship, and deep devotion. Together, they embraced life fully—especially their shared love of music and live concerts. Sharon thrived in that atmosphere, the lights, the energy, the joy. She proudly attended approximately 35 Bon Jovi concerts, each one a treasured memory. Though Sharon and Rodney did not have children of their own, Sharon often said she didn’t need them—she had her nieces and nephew and “didn’t have to do the work.” She became the beloved “Auntie,” the one they turned to for advice, laughter, and long talks. She was their confidante, their safe place, and their biggest supporter. She adored them as fiercely as they adored her, and they became an inseparable part of who she was. Sharon’s home—affectionately known as the “Boogie Nights House”—was her castle. She loved her house, her pool, her garden, and especially being near the water. She found joy in puttering around her home, caring for her beloved cats, and soaking in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Her love of the Chesapeake Bay often had Rodney taking her out crabbing at 5 a.m. on a Saturday—something Sharon truly loved. Crabbing on the bay was her happy place. Sharon lived life on her own terms—fully, honestly, and with heart. She showed us all how life should be lived. She will be mourned, missed, and loved for a lifetime. Sharon’s beautiful smile and contagious laughter could light up any room. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will be honored and carried forward with love forever. Sharon was preceded in death by her father, James V. Gough. She is survived by her loving husband, Rodney Calisto; her mother, Eileen E. Gough; her sister, Barbara G. Paul (Peter); and her cherished nieces and nephew, Lauren Paul, Sarah Paul, Allison Calisto, and Peter J. Paul (Jennifer).

Sharon Colleen Calisto

September 3, 1968 - March 5, 2026