In loving memory of Sharon Sumner Rabidoux

Obituary

Sharon Sumner Rabidoux, 71, of Winooski, Vermont, passed away peacefully in her home in the Villages, Florida on March 11, 2022, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband of 52 years, Roland Rabidoux, and her favorite daughters, Rebecca Doyon and Erika Rabidoux.

Sharon was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bernard and Jeanette Sumner on June 18, 1950. She was a graduate of Winooski High School in 1968, and on August 9, 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Roland.

Sharon’s greatest love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, followed by her absolute love for her family. Sharon dedicated her life to serving the Lord, and all who knew her understood that her relationship with Christ was at the epicenter of all her relationships. As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and mentor to many, she lived her faith through her actions and imparted her trust in God upon everyone she encountered. Even through life’s toughest struggles she believed in God’s unwavering faithfulness and stood firm that “God is in control.”

In her early years, Sharon served her family as a stay-at-home mother, devoting herself to raising her children, being a loving wife, and without complaint, beautifully orchestrating the day-t0-day activities on which her family depended. As her children became older, she was a valued employee for Peet’s Chiropractic and Associates in Orthodontics in Burlington, VT. Roland and Sharon tired of the Vermont winters and became “snow-birds,” splitting their time between Vermont and Delray Beach, Florida, and eventually settling in The Villages, Florida. Every house they built together Sharon turned into a home, in which friends and family were welcomed into with open arms and a meal or treat made with love.

Sharon was also “Grandma” or “Graham Crackers” to her beloved grandchildren, Colby, Brooke, and Aliyah, whom she treasured every moment with and prayed fervently for. Whether taking long walks to feed the horses, driving to get maple cremees, playing in the pool, sea glass hunting on the beach, roasting s’mores over the firepit, or sharing large, home-cooked meals, Sharon delighted in and loved her grandbabies.

One of her many accomplishments later in life included the creation of her own, successful baking business which catered to those who struggled with gluten and food allergen sensitivities. She was widely sought out for her southern style coconut cake, sweet breads, and a multitude of cookies which brought smiles and sweet satisfaction to her devoted customers. Sharon also had a passion for seeking out new and fun adventures, resulting in traveling excursions with both her family and friends. Some of her favorite travel destinations closest to her heart included Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, Wells, Maine, Disney World, Yellowstone Park, and any beach where she could hunt for sea glass and seashells with her daughters and grandchildren. She had a knack for finding the most elusive sea treasures such as sea beans and shark teeth.

All who knew Sharon were fortunate to experience how passionately she embraced life. Through her enjoyment for nature and God’s beautiful creations, her zest for communing with dear friends, crafting and creating gifts for those she loved, and baking with a passion to feed all those who were in need, Sharon never missed an opportunity to be a cherished friend. Her spunk, humor, and love of joyful laughter were contagious. She embodied kindness and Godly wisdom, offered a listening ear, and a heart to understand. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and best friend who will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Jeanette Sumner, her sister, Barbara Senesac, and her sister-in-law, Gibby Sumner.

She is survived by her husband Roland, their two daughters, Rebecca Doyon and Erika Rabidoux, their three deeply loved grandchildren, Colby, Brooke, and Aliyah, her brother Al Sumner, and sister Linda Sumner, and several nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

A celebration of life will be held in Vermont in this summer for friends and family to pay their respects. Sharon had a special place in her heart for ministering to women and families who have survived domestic violence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local organization that supports these survivors as a way to honor of her memory.