Sheila Okun
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Sheila Gail Okun died peacefully on Saturday, April 16, 2022 in Dedham, Massachusetts. She was 85. Born on October 23, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut, Sheila lived a life that was marked by her endless creativity and her boundless capacity for love. From the start, she enjoyed singing and dancing (befitting the Shirley Temple era) and became an accomplished pianist. She graduated from Classical High School in Springfield, MA., attended The University of Connecticut, and returned years later to complete her education at American International College, earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Sheila was known for her striking color combinations and excellent taste when it came to her home, her outfits, and her gatherings ? a legacy passed on to her children and grandchildren. The list of things she made with joy and skill was formidable: knitted blankets, needlepoint tallit bags, brisket that marinated until you didn't need a knife to cut it, and mint brownies of a caliber that helped form the basis of her successful dessert business, Sweet Talk. 'Bubbe' to her nine grandchildren, she cheered on every artistic, academic, and athletic event and enthusiastically attended each milestone celebration. She remembered everything about everyone, friends and family alike, and cherished her friendships ? her Dragonflies and her bridge clubs ? with great care. She loved being a part of the fabric of her community, volunteering for organizations from Hadassah to Pioneer Women to Bay State Hospital, and insisted that each person she brought into her life find some connection with another. Until the end, she was exuberantly recounting small details about the lives of her loved ones, making each one of us feel in some way special. Sheila was married to her husband David for 62 years until his death in 2019. Their romance began at 15 years old, and they epitomized true love. Sheila will be deeply missed by her children, Andrew (Debra), Barry (Pamela), Nancy (David); her grandchildren, Alanna, Ari, Moriah, Jenna (Andrew), Hannah, Tyler, Matthew, Eliza, and Henry; and her brother Fred (Roselle) Baxter. Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 25, 2 PM at the Kodimoh Cemetery, 366 Kings Highway, West Springfield, MA. Shiva services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Usher Syndrome Society in honor of her grandchildren. For further information or directions, please visit ascherzimmerman.com.