Sharon Ralph Mcmanus

Holden- Sharon Ralph McManus, born on September 29, 1940, in Rochester, NY was the daughter of the late Kenneth T. and Mary Shaw Ralph. Sharon passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, surrounded by her family, reuniting with her husband Bud who predeceased her in 2017.

Sharon married Bud in 1963 in Florida and together over the years they lived in Rochester, NY, Potomac, MD and eventually for the last 52 years in Holden, MA where they raised their children and celebrated their grandchildren. Sharon leaves her daughters Beth (Jeff) Donsbach, Marcy (Rick) Vandale, son Mark (Kim) McManus. She loved and supported her 8 grandchildren, Catherine (Miles) Donsbach-Wilhelms and Mary Donsbach, Nicole, Zachary, Emily and Erin Vandale, and Megan and Patrick McManus. Sharon also leaves her special Ralph cousins in Rochester and Pittsford, NY with whom she built many wonderful memories.

Growing up in Rochester, NY, Sharon graduated from Mercy High School and then from Immaculata College in Washington D.C. with an associate degree. She returned to Rochester and continued her education at Nazareth College. Before starting her family, Sharon was an elementary school teacher and when her children were established in schools, she went on to work in the Diocese of Worcester Chancery. From there, Sharon ran the catechism programs at St. Mary's Parish in Jefferson and St. Patrick's Parish in Rutland. When Bud retired from IBM, Sharon joined him in their second careers at McManus Associates/Century 21McManus Real Estate in Holden for the next 15 years. For Sharon, no job was ever work since she took so much joy from social interactions with young and old alike, always the teacher with a varied expertise.

Sharon and Bud were always about town supporting family and grandchildren, whether stopping by for a quick story time or attending art shows, academic award ceremonies, school concerts, dance recitals, scouting and youth sporting events. The proud grandparents were always the number one fans with front row seats. Absent a family event, Sharon often accompanied Bud to various Holy Cross College sporting and alumni events. Any activity where Sharon could gather family, especially her grandchildren whom she adored, was the highlight of her day.

In addition to her professional careers, Sharon was an active volunteer in Holden. She was a fixture in Rice and Holden Junior High Schools, Holden District Hospital and the Holden Girl Scout programs. She took great pride in her work as a member of the Gale Free Library Building Committee in the early 2000s, resulting in a beautiful modern three-story addition. Through the years, Sharon was a dedicated volunteer at the Mustard Seed and St. Mary's Church as well. Her work was always selfless and dedicated to leaving things better than she found them and making sure she gave of her time to all who needed it.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Notre Dame Du Lac and the staff and community, with whom she resided this last year, and her dear friends at The Seasons and in Holden who have been a constant in her life but especially in the last several years. Heartfelt and eternal thanks to Rusty Murray who cared for Sharon the last 6 months allowing her to continue to be a part of the communities she loved.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Sharon's family from 9-10:30 on June 11, 2024 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, followed by a procession to St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St. Jefferson, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 am. Sharon has been a faithful and loyal member and worshiper at St. Mary's for 52 years. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sharon's memory to The Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520 or St. Mary's Parish, 114 Princeton St, Jefferson MA 01522.

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