Sharon Barese Hamilton

Sharon Barese Hamilton, 75, of Lakeville-loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt-passed away on July 15, 2024, after a brief and sudden illness.

Born in Mount Kisco, New York, on February 20, 1949, the daughter of Salvatore E. Barese and Irene Rose (Erdos) Barese, Sharon attended Danbury schools and lived and worked in Danbury, CT before relocating to Lakeville in 2001.

Among her many professional accomplishments, Sharon served as Purchasing Agent for the City of Danbury, and later as president of the Public Purchasing Association of Connecticut and on the National Board of Directors of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. Recognized as an expert in her field, she held multiple certifications and wrote purchasing specifications that became national models still used today. After leaving the City, she taught public purchasing and contracting techniques throughout the United States and Canada.

Sharon was a life-long advocate for women. She was the founder and publisher of Women's Forum Magazine, a monthly magazine written and illustrated by women to promote women, encourage their personal and professional growth, help them connect through networking events, and lobby for important legislative changes to improve laws that affect women in the workforce. She fought to ensure equal treatment for women under credit and lending laws, employment opportunities, and literacy.

An active member of her communities, Sharon volunteered for, and sat on the board of, many organizations throughout her life, including the David M. Hunt Library, the Women's Center of Greater Danbury and the Charles Ives Center for the Arts. She was an original member of First Night Danbury and an active member and avid supporter of the Danbury Downtown Council and the downtown business community, as well as a member of Danbury's Commission on the Status of Women.

Sharon was a multi-talented creative with a brilliant mind who could speak intelligently on many subjects. She loved puzzles of all kinds, gardening, movies, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a skilled seamstress, a baker, and an accomplished knitter and artist, selling her blankets, prints and other wares at local artisan and craft fairs, as well as on her website, Sharon Hamilton Designs. She loved traveling with her family and took many trips that included four generations, including her beloved grandson, Jack.

Sharon is survived by daughters Dana Lemay of Lakeville and Jennifer Otto of Danbury, grandson Jack Lemay of Lakeville, siblings Nancy Barese, Kathi Heering, and Richard Barese, all of Danbury; and David Barese of New Milford, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Dorene and Barbara.

An outspoken advocate for causes near and dear to her, and a great support and companion to her friends and family, Sharon's loving and joyful presence will be forever remembered and greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury from 2 to 4 pm.