Sharon Ainsworth

Sharon Lea Porter was born on Tuesday, June 7, 1938 to Joseph and Goldie Porter in Edna Township, Cass County, Iowa. Sharon passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Bickford Cottage in Omaha, Nebraska.

Sharon grew up in Iowa, living on various farms during her childhood. Her family moved to Omaha for a short period of time during World War II. Sharon started Kindergarten at Benson West Elementary School. Her family eventually returned to Iowa, where she completed the remainder of her school years. Sharon graduated from Cumberland High School in 1956. After graduation, Sharon moved to Omaha to live with her sisters and work at the Peter Pan Bakery. She went on to work at Northern Natural Gas as a Comptometer Operator in the Bookkeeping Department.

While attending the Omaha Gospel Hall, Sharon met Larry Ainsworth. They were married on May 8,1959 and celebrated 64 years together. Larry and Sharon added seven children to their family: Sheldon, Andrew, Lisa, Lynn, Sheri, April and Laci. Sharon spent 23 years of her life at home, dedicated to raising her family. Sharon’s greatest joy in life was being a mother!

In 1986, Sharon began volunteering in the lunchroom at Adams Elementary School. Within a year, she was asked to join the staff at Adams in a full-time role as a Paraprofessional. Sharon’s job quickly became her passion. She had a huge heart and a true love for students with special needs. She cared for them as if they were her own children.

Sharon loved to spend time sewing, reading and baking. Through the years, she cooked countless meals, hosted holidays and gatherings for family, friends, and for anyone else that didn’t have somewhere to go! She was the most gracious person and took pride in welcoming everyone into their beloved home in Keystone. After retirement, Sharon & Larry spent their days working alongside one another in their yard and tending to their flowers. She enjoyed spending her evenings sitting on the front porch while reading the newspaper.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Larry; son Andrew; parents

Joseph and Goldie; siblings Doris Knee, Lois Porter, Ross Porter, Jeanne

Petersen, Janelle Swafford, Ramona Harris, Shirley Cranston and Charlotte Slaby. She is survived by her children Sheldon Ainsworth, Lisa Carnazzo, Lynn (Al) Gardner, Sheri (Scott) Burcaw, April (Robert) Worshek, Laci (Tomas) Beaumont; grandchildren Hannah Ainsworth, Joseph (Gabrielle) Ainsworth, Sydney Gardner, Hudson Gardner, Courtney (Daniel) Timperio, Heath (Michelle) Thomas, Gabrielle Worshek, Madeline Worshek, Nicholas Worshek and Katherine Worshek; great-grandchildren Liam Timperio, Luca Timperio and Nora Thomas. 

CELEBRATION OF SHARON'S LIFE: Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:00 am, with VISITATION one hour prior to the service, all at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel)

INTERMENT: Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

Braman Mortuary and Cremation Services (1702 N. 72 St. / Omaha, NE 68114 / 402-391-2171)