Sharon Rutledge

Sharon Rutledge, 63, was encircled by her devoted family and friends on June 2, 2023, when although far too soon and unexpectedly, she received her angel wings.

Sharon is the cherished wife of Michael, devoted mother to Sara (Mark) Kaminski, Michael and Andrew and loving sister to Doreen Mullin and John (Susan) Brosnahan. Ahma’s memory will always be cherished by her grandchildren, Gavin and Caden Kaminski. Aunt Shasha is an aunt to many nieces and nephews, but had a very special bond with Erin (Patrick) Sierer and Kelly (Josh) Hoyt. Sharon was predeceased by her parents Lorraine and John V. Brosnahan, who welcomed her into heaven, alongside her best friend Diane Fowler.

Sharon was her grandson’s biggest fan both on and off the fields and courses. She never missed an opportunity to see them, even if it was from a far. Her family was her life. She enjoyed meeting her great nieces, Teagan, and Emerson at the diner and watching their recital videos, getting a taste of the girly things that she oh so adored! Her door was always open for picnics with her extended firehouse family, Gavin and Caden’s buddies, Sara and Mark’s “framily”, and anyone else who needed to stop by for a coffee, a dip in the pool, or a fire pit. She loved to entertain and share her beautiful space with others. (And boy did she love a good gossip session on her patio!)

More recently Sharon, the athlete (LOL), fell in love with pickleball. Sara and her were a dynamic duo, and fierce competition for many. Mike and Andrew were beginning to follow her lead, and together the family was going to be an unstoppable pickleball force.

Sharon, the traveler, enjoyed the thought of adventures, and when she mustered up the courage, she was able to embark on several. Her trip to Ireland was the ultimate experience for her and Mike. Together they were able to visit their extended family and pay homage to their “homeland”. Sharon and Mike loved exploring Block Island and were looking forward to sharing this special place with dear friends. Recently Sharon and her “Minnie Me”, had the mother-daughter trip of a lifetime to Disney, where they made memories that last forever.

Sharon enjoyed walking Gulf Beach with Mike and her friends, spending countless hours searching for sea glass and oyster shells. She was the proud creator of Blue Point Designs, a hobby turned cherished local business.  Sharon, the artist, dedicated most of her weekend days creating personalized oyster shells and home decor for her many customers and community friends.  She was passionate about Blue Point, her family will find a way to continue to share her creations with the community.

Sharon is a woman who truly personifies the “Big Heart” of our city motto. She is known to many as the creator and dedicated admin behind the You Know You Live In Milford Facebook page, which gained a following of nearly 30,000 community members. This page was a second “home” to her. She devoted countless hours ensuring her community stayed informed and connected. Sharon, the community leader, inspired all of Milford to decorate street signs during a pandemic, to bring a sense of community, beauty, and peace to our small city during a tough time.  In the words of Heidi Borselle, “Sharon was a gem and a community treasure, and will be missed beyond measure.”

The family would like to extend a very big thank you to the Milford Fire Department and the nurses and doctors in the Milford Hospital ER and ICU for making this incredibly difficult time, just a little easier. Lastly, the support shown by the Greenwich Fire Department has provided the family with a deep sense of love and security, that they will forever be grateful for, words of thanks are just not even enough.

The community is invited to celebrate Sharon at her favorite place, Gulf Beach in Milford, CT. on Tuesday June 6, 2023 anytime between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm, and anyone who wishes to say a few words, is welcome to. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to an agency very close to Sharon’s heart. Circle of Hope K9 Rescue is a nonprofit, looking to place as many unwanted pups and dogs, like Sharon’s Henry, Roz, and Sylvie, into their forever homes. Donations made in Sharon’s honor can be sent via PayPal to circleofhopek9rescue@gmail.com.