I was so sorry to hear about Sharon's passing. She was such a sweet and admirable person. I loved her passion for music, the books and family.A very special person who had  devoted and dedicated her life to the church and community with God always on her side. She will be remembered for her service and sacrifice for those who needed her unconditional love and support.

God bless you and your family for all the life’s work you have done.

Wilton Oliveira 

Sharon was a very good friend with my family and all other families in the Portuguese Baptist Church in Cambridge.

She was a music lover and participated in more than one group, including a vocal group by women.

She was also part of the Somerville counseling team at Lincoln Park Community School, where she helped to advocate for families in the tradicional way.

She also helped to create awareness in the fight to end the Bed Bugs Crisis.

Ionabe and Arno are also members of our church who remember being helped a lot by Sharon.

We are sorry for your loss and our prayers go out to you during this challenging time.

We were truly blessed to have known Sharon Staples. Her unwavering faith in God was an inspiration to all who crossed her path. Her leadership and friendship touched our lives in countless, meaningful ways, leaving a legacy of love and grace. While we mourn her absence, we take comfort in knowing her suffering has ended and she is now at peace in her eternal home. Until we meet again, faithful friend.

Joe and Zena 

Sharon read this book referenced in the video  4 times in the past 2 years

https://youtu.be/lFCrhEIb0ng?…

Parents are notorious for immeasurable infatuation with their newborns. Through the infant and toddler milestones this profound love often continues, and many parents keep the lilt in their voice when they speak of their children. Some even carry the love affair with their children throughout elementary school. At some indescribable time, the love affair typically cools – and few parents make it unscathed through the teen years. While they still love their children, you can often hear the strain in their voices that accompanies the challenges of parenting.

I saw Sharon every few summers when we had cousin gatherings at Uncle Bob and Aunt Ginny’s place in Manomet. What struck me as most amazing was that she never moved past that lovingly infatuated stage. She always had the lilt in her voice when speaking of her three children (even when they in their 30s and 40s!), and that love only grew to include her grandchildren as well. Her expressions of unconditional love and hope for family granted me peace when I faced challenges with my own children. Faith lived out in day-by-day examples of love is the ultimate Christian testimony. In this manner, Sharon’s daily life brought encouragement to so many and this will be her legacy.

We pray for David, Heather, Nathan, and Kristen that these memories of Sharon’s love will sustain you in the coming days. 

Dear David,

I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved wife, Sharon. Please note that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Shannon and I met you both when we came over to your home to help clean up your backyard. We were glad to have met you both.

We know that her faith and love were a testimony to the light of Christ, and I hope you find comfort in knowing she is now in his loving presence. May God grant you, strength, peace, and the assurance of his promises as you navigate the days ahead. With heartfelt condolences,

Jack and Shannon Chan 

It's hard to believe that I only knew Sharon for 3 years. We first met when my husband and I visited a Prayer Meeting at Grace Chapel Wilmington one Friday night, shortly after we had moved to the area. As we walked into the church lobby, we saw a small group gathered, and I asked if they were the Prayer group. They said yes, and then Sharon piped up, "You are an answer to our prayers." With those words, she had me! Soon after began our friendship with Sharon and David. 

What a life she led! A missionary to Brazil while raising 3 young children, an accomplished educator who was most proud of the program she created (and that was picked up by other school districts) to make sure no child was left out/on the sidelines/alone but rather encouraging acceptance and friendship, and a loving wife to David over 51 years! 

Over the course of our friendship, I was blessed by Sharon's gift of hospitality, her book recommendations, her artistic talents (especially her little fairy people and her Zentangle, both of which she taught me how to do!), her love of the outdoors, her love of her family (especially her grandchildren), her sacrificial love and generosity to so many who came into her life, and her incredible determination, no matter what challenge faced her. And, a fun game of "Oh, Darn" here and there! But above all, it was witnessing her deep and unwavering faith in God, her love of Jesus, and her keen desire to hear Him, follow Him, and glorify Him that was her greatest gift to me. 

Given Sharon's voracious appetite for reading, I was surprised to hear that she wasn't familiar with a devotional, Jesus Calling, that had been a big blessing in my life. I had an extra copy, which I happily shared with her, and that book became a favorite of hers in the last year or so of her life. In fact, she often included excerpts from it on the back of her handmade Zentangle cards. It spoke to her deep desire to hear and know God's voice and follow after Him in obedience.

I will miss Sharon greatly. Her passing has left a hole in my life. But I am smiling big, knowing that she is now wrapped in the arms of Jesus, no more sorrow, no more pain, no more limitations. She has a new body now, perfect in every way. And, I can look forward to the day when we will be reunited in friendship in heaven! Can't wait to walk those streets of gold with you, Sister! xoxo