In Loving Memory of Sarah Persing Shea

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we remember Sarah Persing Shea, who peacefully passed away on November 29, 2025, at the age of 72, surrounded by her cherished family at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Born in Burlington, Vermont, on January 27, 1953, to Raymond and Natalie (Vespucci) Persing, Sarah's life was a beautiful testament to kindness, devotion, and unconditional love.

Sarah's warmth was felt by everyone lucky enough to know her. She had a gift for making each person feel truly special, welcoming friends and family alike into her heart and home. Many found comfort in calling her "Mom or Nana Shea," a reflection of the safe haven she created for all who needed it. Her family was her greatest joy—a bond with one heartbeat that began with her and continues to unite those she loved.

During her cancer journey, Sarah was lovingly surrounded by her devoted family and a close circle of lifelong friends, each offering steadfast support and comfort every step of the way. She also received compassionate care from Dana Farber and the Miller Floor 5 care team at the University of Vermont Medical Center, whose kindness brought comfort throughout her journey.

Sarah graduated from Burlington High School in 1971 and, on May 3, 1975, married her high school sweetheart, Michael S. Shea, at the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel at Saint Michael's College. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael S. Shea of Colchester; her three daughters and their families: Heather (Todd) Lashway of Orchard Park, NY, Laura (Christopher) Lafaille of Middlesex, VT, and Kristina (Michael) Pierce of South Hero, VT; and her treasured grandchildren: Reagan, Hudson, Chase, Avery, Shea, and Reid. Sarah's love extended to her siblings, Brad (Jan), John (Susan), Scott (Joyce), Mary (Clark), Robert (Josefina) Shea, and William Shea, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and chosen family members who were blessed by her generosity and spirit.

She was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Natalie Persing, and her in-laws, Robert and Virginia (Hinton) Shea.

Sarah's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a lasting reminder of the power of love, kindness, and family.

To celebrate Sarah's life and her beautiful legacy of kindness, the family invites those who wish to honor her memory to consider a gift in memory of Katie Hartnett care of Katie's Kids, P.O. Box 3102 Burlington, VT 05408. Your generosity will help continue spreading joy and opportunity for children and families through programs in the arts, academics, and athletics—causes that reflect Sarah's caring spirit and love for community.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Sarah's remarkable life will be held on Friday, June 5, at 11:00am at OurLady of Grace Church in Colchester. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington.