Obituary of Sharon A. Brace

Sharon A. (Berry) Brace, 81, of Chelmsford, formerly of Burlington, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, embraced by her loving family.

Born December 22, 1943, in New Brunswick, Canada, to the late Karl and Ruth (Taylor) Berry, Sharon's life story began as a testament to young love. While still in high school, she met Leonard Brace, and when his family planned to move to America, the young couple embarked on their journey together, marrying before settling in Massachusetts. Though Leonard passed away too early in their story, Sharon crafted a rich new chapter filled with cherished friendships and family bonds. For over 25 years, she was an integral part of Building 19½ in Burlington, where her presence was instrumental to daily operations until her retirement, just one year before the store's closure.

In Burlington, Sharon and Leonard raised four children, instilling in them the values of love and compassion that defined her own character. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family to encompass all living creatures. From the beloved dogs and cats she welcomed into her home to the neighborhood strays and wild visitors, Sharon's compassion knew no bounds. She delighted in weekly birdseed deliveries from her son, ensuring every feathered friend in her yard was well-fed. Even nighttime visits from raccoons and skunks were met with characteristic grace and generosity.

When Sharon relocated from her Burlington home of 50 years to Chelmsford with her daughter, she worried about leaving behind her beloved animal community. True to her nature, she soon found herself surrounded by a new family of deer, ducks, birds, and strays, all drawn to her boundless kindness.

Sharon's vibrant spirit was matched by her sense of adventure and style. A true "fashionista" who embraced the latest trends, she remained young at heart, even experiencing the thrill of riding in a NASCAR racecar at age 71.  She loved to sing and dance, and her infectious laugh, feisty personality, and generous heart touched all who knew her. She took special joy in sharing her zest for life with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories illuminated by laughter and love that will endure for generations to come.

Surviving Sharon are her dear children, Steven Brace of Burlington, Susan Howlett of Wilmington, and Cyndi Marzeoti-Sorensen and her husband Arthur of Chelmsford; her siblings Wayne Berry and his wife Jeannine of Canada, and Sheila Walker and her husband Gordon of Canada; her special cousin Janet Chisholm and her husband Bob of Canada, as well as many, many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. 

Sharon was the loving mother of the late Jennifer Brace Caplette, who passed in 2020.

At the request of the family, all services for Sharon will be held in Canada at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the MSPCA.