• Sharon Marie Boivin

The world has lost an exceptionally kind and loving soul in Sherry, a generous and affectionate mother and grandmother, and a compassionate friend to many, who died wise but far too young.

Born at Burlington, Vt.'s Lund Center and adopted by loving parents Eugene and Annie Boivin, Sherry attended Morrisville’s People’s Academy High School, graduating with the class of 1978.

Sherry was strong-willed and had a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. She’d walk down the street with a smile and greeting for every person she saw. Her visitors usually left with a bear hug, an armful of gifts and a plate of food, including her famous oatmeal-coconut-butterscotch-chip cookies.

Sherry had a strong faith and loved God. She was humble but had many talents, such as sketching, sewing and crocheting intricate laces, a skill inherited from her grandmother, Sitto. She made numerous blankets and scarves for family, friends and community members in need.

• Sharon Marie Boivin

Sherry was a hard worker who imbued meaning into everything she did. A longtime owner of a cleaning business with a reputation for fairness and honesty, she viewed cleaning as a labor of love, the act of “making something beautiful again.” In her younger years, she enjoyed downhill skiing, yard work, ice-skating, kicking a soccer ball and playing outside with her children, Melissa, Timothy and Matthew.

• Sharon Marie Boivin

Sherry adored, and was adored by, her children, encouraging their individuality and reminding them, sometimes daily, that she loved and was proud of them. She fiercely loved her grandchildren, Christian and Ava, and spent many joyous moments reading, doing artwork and playing with them.

Sherry loved the ocean and the beauty of nature. Her Decker Towers home was filled with seashells, books, art supplies, homemade blankets and family photos. She felt a connection with the spring daffodils, the chickadees and starfish. During a walk at dawn, she and her children once rescued great numbers of beached starfish, returning them to sea.

Sherry, an optimist to the core, believed that everyone’s story mattered, that we are all special and worthy of love. Her compassion, sensitivity, and open and loving heart shone through even as she endured trauma, loss and alcoholism. Her willingness to try and try again was admirable. She was fond of saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” and “Showing up is half the battle.” She practiced forgiveness even when it was difficult and looked for the best in people. Although we are devastated by her death, we are so grateful to have known her in life.

• Sharon Marie Boivin

Among her many friends and relatives, Sherry leaves behind her mother, Annie Boivin; brother James Boivin and his wife, Janeen; uncle Victor Boivin and his wife, Cecile; aunt Isabel Handy; daughter Melissa Anne Moran and her partner, Adam Forguites; son Timothy James Moran and his fiancée, Misty Bellew; son Matthew John Moran and his wife, Miriam Rothschild; beloved grandchildren Christian Mitchell, Ava Moran, Seth Burt, Jordan Burt and Brianna Christenson; Timothy O. Moran, Sherry’s former husband of 10 years and a close friend; her “forever” sister-in-law Karen Lykins; and niece Erica Brinkman and her husband, Craig, and their children Faith, Bailey and Peyton.

She was predeceased by her father, Eugene Boivin; her eldest brother, Edward C. Boivin; her aunt and uncle Marion and Gabriel Handy; former mother-in-law and friend, Florence Moran; and Heidi Ryder, a friend.

• Sharon Marie Boivin

A funeral and celebration of life will be postponed until it is possible to gather. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in her name by mail to the ACT1/Bridge Program c/o Howard Center Development Office, 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3J, Burlington, VT 05401.