Sharon Ann Mutzig

  Sharon Ann Mutzig (nee Waite), 78, of Hudson Oaks, Texas, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, April 14, 2025.

  Born on January 26, 1947, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Rita Helen (Beauchemin) and Harold Kenneth Waite, Sharon lived a life marked by love, creativity, adventure, and devotion to her family.

  Sharon graduated from East Longmeadow High School in 1964 and began her career as a secretary at an architecture firm. Throughout her life, she held various secretarial positions as her family's military relocations would allow. Later in life, she served as a dedicated volunteer at the East Parker County Library and worked as a legal secretary for the Parker County Attorney's office for 15 years (2001 - 2016) before retiring.

  Sharon was an avid reader and passionate collector of books, particularly cookbooks, amassing a collection of over 300 volumes. She was known to say that she "read cookbooks like other people read novels," yet family members noted with amusement that she "never seemed to follow a recipe" when creating her delicious meals. Instead, she experimented by "tossing this and that into a pot." Her love of cooking and baking extended to gardening, where she grew her own herbs and vegetables, as well as wildflowers, native, perennial, and drought-resistant plants.

  Her creativity extended beyond the kitchen as she was an exceptional sewist. In a testament to her determination and skill, she made her daughter's wedding gown while simultaneously overseeing the construction of their family home. As she recalled, "I was on site 12 to 15 hours a day working/supervising. The electrician hooked me up to a temporary power source and there I sat with the floor covered with sheets while I sewed." She completed not only the bride's gown but also outfits for the maid of honor, flower girl, and herself - much to the amazement of the construction crew.

  Sharon was also known throughout the family as a gifted writer. What began as thoughtful detailed letters evolved into characteristically lengthy text messages in later years, always filled with warmth and personal connection, often closing with "I love you honey!" followed by multiple emoji hearts.

  One letter in particular changed the course of her life. As Sharon often recounted, "A letter I wrote in 1967 changed my life for the better." Following a newspaper request to write soldiers serving in Vietnam. Sharon sent a letter that reached Andy Mutzig, her future husband. "When Andy's next letter came from me with a big box of cookies," she would share, "he said he knew he was onto a good thing." Upon his return from Vietnam, Andy drove cross-country through a blizzard to meet her, despite his dislike for cold weather. "The third time we were together was for our engagement, and the fifth time was on our wedding day." Though some wedding guests placed bets the marriage would barely last a year, Sharon and Andy celebrated their 56th anniversary in November 2024. She often said, "Andy is not only a wonderful husband, he is my best friend. We have been blessed with two great kids and a full and interesting life."

  While Sharon described herself as "the real homebody" in her family, she proudly became "the family traveler" through her marriage to a military man, embracing the adventures that came with each new posting.

  As a life-long animal lover, Sharon cared deeply for all creatures and brought that compassion to everything she did. Her family fondly remembers that she never met a stray dog that they didn't end up adopting, opening her heart and home to animals in need throughout her life.

  Sharon leaves behind her beloved husband, Andy L. Mutzig; her daughter, Theresa Mutzig-Erwin DO and son-in-law, Michael Erwin; her son, Douglas Mutzig and daughter-in-law, Lisa Ross Mutzig; and her cherished grandchildren, Tabitha Erwin, James "Drew" Mutzig, and Chase Mutzig.

  She is also survived by her brothers, Richard Waite and his wife, Charlene, and Dennis Waite and his wife, Bev; her sister, Kathleen Waite Keefe; her brother-in-law, Steve Mutzig; her aunt, Virginia "Ginny" McGarrett Waite; and her cousins, Laurie, Susan, and Ronald Waite. She leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Richard M. Waite, Amy Beth Gonyea, Bonnie Rivera, Andrea Kiernan, Erin Illingsworth, Candace Halsted, Brenton Keefe, and Jonathan "JT" Keefe, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

  Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Harold Waite; her uncle, Leonard Waite; her aunt, Doris Beauchemin Tirrell; her uncle, Russell Tirrell; her brother-in-law, Robert Keefe; and her cousin, Stephen Waite.

  In accordance with Sharon's wishes cremation has been chosen. Given that the majority of Sharon's extended family resides in New England rather than Texas, Andy, Theresa, and Douglas have decided not to hold a formal service or memorial at this time.

  In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made in Sharon's name to the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter, honoring her lifelong love for animals.

  The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.