ROYALSTON – Sharon T. Hood (Tallman), 77, of Royalston, died Friday February 8, 2019 at Scott Farrar in Peterborough, NH after a valiant and courageous battle with dementia. Although our hearts are heavy with sadness, we are rejoicing knowing that our mother’s battles are over and she is once again whole. Born January 18, 1942 in Little Falls, NY to Clarke W. and Irene Tallman (Keller), Sharon spent her early years in the Herkimer, NY area.
Sharon moved to Holyoke, MA at the age of 7 to live with her uncle’s family after the tragic deaths of her parents. Sharon was a 1959 graduate of Holyoke High School and continued her education at Gardner State Hospital and Mount Wachusett Community College where she graduated as an R.N. Sharon worked for many years as an R.N. at Athol Memorial Hospital before completing her career at Henry Heywood Hospital where she was the supervisor in the recovery room and an employee union leader before retiring. During her nursing studies and career, she was able to make wonderful connections with so many people.
It was during her education that she met Lois Szczygiel who introduced her to husband Bill. Sharon also became close long-time friends with Mary Fleck through her nursing career and the two families have enjoyed many years of friendship, including countless vacations to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia where Mary relocated her family. Sharon was a friend to many and an enemy to none.
She enjoyed time with the Red Hat Society, as a Queen Mother, the Athol Senior Center and volunteering at Royalston Community School reading to young children. Sharon also spent her short retirement years taking care of neighbors and friends in the Royalston and Athol area, as well as spending time with her good friends, especially Joanne Curtin and Karen Millet. Sharon enjoyed her animals during her life time, beginning with Fluffy, her first dog.
When she moved to Royalston, she was able to have a horse, Midnight. Sharon also raised Siamese Cats, Irish Setters, Miniature Poodles and had various Parakeets. Sharon was also an active member of the local committee charged with building a new school for the community of Royalston.
Sharon was proud to serve on the committee as it benefitted future generations. Traveling was one of Sharon’s great joys. Often traveling with friends or family, some of the fondest memories Sharon had were of trips to Cape Breton, Mexico, the Florida Keys, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Foxwoods and the great trip she took with her husband and children in the summer of 1976 across the U.S. to many National Parks and other great destinations, including seeing the Redwood trees.
Sharon was a very lucky person, having won numerous prizes over the years that she used to improve her home, especially her prized “Las Vegas Center” in the family living room. Sharon also enjoyed trips to Virginia to see her son and his family over the years, as well as fly-fishing in Alaska. Sharon was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.
Sharon leaves behind her husband of 56 years: William E. Hood; her two loving children of whom she was extremely proud, Stephanie Hood of Royalston and Ryan Hood of Phillipston, three brothers: Clark, Tony and Peter Tallman and two sisters: Maryanne McConnell and Margaret (Peggy) Magee, as well as two grandchildren: Tyler and Brooke and three great grandsons: Bradley, Sawyer and Jackson, and her faithful loving cat Olivia. Sharon was predeceased by two daughters, Christine and Nicole and a grandson, Adam, as well as three brothers: John, Stephen and Billy Tallman. Nothing gave her more pleasure than her family and friends, especially the younger generation.
Calling hours are Friday February 15 from 6 to 8 pm at Fiske, Murphy and Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday February 16 at 11 AM at Our Lady Immaculate Church 192 School St, Athol, MA. Family and friends may arrive at the funeral home at 10 AM Saturday for a time of remembrance or go directly to the church for the service.
There will be a reception immediately following the service at the King Phillip Restaurant on State Road in Phillipston. The family asks that, if possible, not to wear black as Sharon would want this to be a celebration of her life and not a somber occasion. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Athol YMCA, 545 Main St., Athol, MA 01331.
To sign the online guest book, please visit www. mackfmailyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Homes – Fiske-Murphy & Mack Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd. , Orange is assisting with arrangements.
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