Phyllis Sharp Obituary (2014)

Phyllis Burns Sharp, 90, of Route 40, died Monday at her Easton home. She was born in Cambridge, the daughter of William J. Burns and Helen Burch. She inspired those who knew her with her compassion, her support for others and her interest in the people and the world around her. She was a disciplined journal writer and a lifelong learner who loved good books, current events and history. She enjoyed her garden and loved spring. She received great joy from music, especially the music of the '40s and of her Irish heritage. Phyllis graduated in 1942 from Greenwich High School and was a proud member of "The Greatest Generation." She worked for many years as a waitress and then a cook, most recently at the Battenkill Country Club. She also worked with her husband to put on clamsteams throughout the area in the 1970s. She was predeceased by her husband, William L. Sharp Jr., who died in 1980, and a great-granddaughter, Isabel. She was the much beloved matriarch of her family and is survived by her six children: Gladys Eileen Sharp of Fairhaven, Vt., Cathleen (John) Barber of Cossayuna, William C. Sharp of Fairview Heights, Ill.; Judith (Steven) Patrick and Jennifer (Chris) Kuzmich of Greenwich and Edward Sharp of Easton; 12 grandchildren, Charles (Heather), David (Shawn) and Michael Waite; Monte (Renee), Cara (Arthur Erbe) and Brian (Christina) Talmadge; William and Natasha Sharp; Erica (Ahmad Manasra) Patrick; Josh (Michelle Spear) and Jesse (Kate) Lee and Cady Kuzmich; 15 great-grandchildren with a 16th due in March; and one great-great grandson; and a brother-in-law, David Sharp. Services will be private, with arrangements by the Flynn Brothers Funeral Home in Greenwich. Cats always had a very special place in Phyllis' heart. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Estherville Animal Shelter in Greenfield Center.