Sharon FitzSimons Cole, of Acton, passed away at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, March 15, 2024 at the age of 86. Born in Warren, PA to the late Sarah Helen (Gaston) and Ogden FitzSimons. Sharon was the beloved wife of the late Michael Bennett Cole, with whom she shared 43 years of marriage.
Sharon attended the University of Rochester where she received her Bachelor’s Degree for teaching. Once settling in Acton, she was a vital part and the face of the Concord Animal Hospital, Concord, MA, where she worked as the receptionist for over 25 years.
Animals were always a large part of Sharon’s life. In the early years, she and her husband raised and showed both Irish and Wire Fox Terriers. They also had a cattery and raised and showed primarily Siamese cats. Over time, other dogs and cats were acquired, and they would later add goats, chickens, rabbits, and ducks to the menagerie.
She enjoyed gardening and making homemade preserves of jams and jellies. She was a wildlife enthusiast and enjoyed bird watching. She took pride in her property, where she enjoyed an array of birds, majestic trees, and a variety of flora and fauna.
Sharon was a true Actonian, and loved her historic home in Acton Center, where she lived for 59 years. She loved being an active part of the community where she formed lasting friendships. She was a member of the Acton Community Chorus for over 30 years. Sharon enjoyed taking guided nature walks on Acton’s conservation lands. She had been active with the Acton Historical Society, Friends of Acton Nursing, and Acton’s Council on Aging. Sharon also had a passion for music, art, theatre, and traveling.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Amy G. Cole and husband, Rafael A. Rivera of Acton, MA, her son, Eric M. Cole and longtime partner, Stephanie L. Baker, of Turners Fall, MA, her sister, Elaine FitzSimons and her husband John D. Funk of Phoenixville, PA, her brother, Douglas O. FitzSimons and his wife Cheryl Hertzog of Elverson, PA and her niece, Serena Hertzog of Elverson, PA.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be planned for a future date to be announced.