Sharon Francis died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on July 27 in Gray, Tennessee.

Formerly of New Milford, Connecticut, Sharon grew up in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania where she began a lifelong devotion to Philadelphia sports teams. She graduated from Sun Valley High School. Sharon earned a BS in Accounting and Finance from Bloomsburg University and later an MBA in International Finance from St. Joseph’s University.

Sharon began her career as an internal auditor for Burroughs Corporation and went on to hold several management positions in the corporate world. Her intelligence, tenacity, and drive led to the international career she dreamed of. She retired at age 55 as the Chief Financial Officer of Synventive Corporation.

In 1986, Sharon married her sweetheart, her huckleberry friend, and the love of her life, Steven Francis of Detroit, Michigan. They shared a lifetime of love and adventure. Together, they moved for her career or his, from Michigan to Maryland, back to Pennsylvania, to London, before settling in New Milford, Connecticut, in 1996 to build a home and put down deep roots and a love of the Yankees baseball team.

When Sharon retired, she poured her amazing energy into having fun. She started each day with classes at the New Milford Fitness and Aquatic Center, where she boxed, cycled, and did boot camp. Winters were spent sailing, hiking, and biking in places like Coronado, Palm Springs, and Estrella Mountain Ranch, often inviting family to join her in the picturesque getaways she so lovingly planned. Summers brought her to Ocean Isle Beach, a beloved family tradition that has lasted forty years and through three generations.

Sharon biked through Amsterdam and Portugal, hiked across Ireland, paddle-boarded in Zanzibar, and took an unforgettable African safari. Her adventurous spirit and vibrant energy were matched by a deep generosity of heart.

One of Sharon and Steve’s shared passions was vintage racing. During racing season, Steve drove, while Sharon worked as crew chief and handled all the travel arrangements. Together, they ran historic cars with a variety of racing clubs in North America and the UK.

In all the places she went, Sharon was loved and admired. Her smile lit up every room, and her presence made people feel seen, included, and uplifted. Whether she was hiking a remote trail, making friends in a fitness class, or cheering from the pit lane, Sharon brought warmth, humor, and authenticity. She made an impression not by seeking attention, but by giving it, listening deeply, encouraging others, and quietly spreading joy. She had a gift for turning strangers into friends and everyday moments into cherished memories.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Edward Satchell. She is survived by, and will be remembered with great love by her husband, Steven Francis, her mother, Helen Satchell; her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Linda Satchell; and her sisters, Susan Pate, Carolyn Campbell, and Patricia Hurley. She is also remembered with love by Steven’s mother, Molly Francis; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Patrick and Kris Francis, and Matthew and Susan Francis; as well as eighteen nieces and nephews who were deeply blessed by the love of Aunt Sharon; and many dear friends near and far.

To honor Sharon, the family asks that instead of flowers or donations, you take your best friend to lunch, just like Sharon would have done.

Condolences may be sent to Sharon’s family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821