Sharon M. (Mitchell) Fennelly
Sharon M. (Mitchell) Fennelly, affectionately called Shazz–a whirlwind of warmth, joy, and dedication–peacefully embarked on her next great adventure on October 29, 2026, surrounded at home by the family she adored.
Born on November 27, 1949, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Doris and Christopher Mitchell. Sharon was a proud mom, adoring Gram and “favorite” Aunt to many nieces & nephews. Survived by brothers James Mitchell and his wife Louise, Brian Mitchell and his wife MaryJane, and her sister Susan King and her husband Bob.
Through a lifetime of love, Sharon’s family grew to include her children, Kristin Fennelly and her partner Charles Allison, and Stephen Fennelly, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Ciara, Aidan, and Kyle. She is also survived by Gene’s family, who loved her dearly: brother John Fennelly and his wife Cheryl, sister Mary Guarino and her husband Frank, brother Kevin Fennelly, and her nephews Bob and Mark DiLorenzo.
In 1972, she married the love of her life, Gene Fennelly. Together, they shared a beautiful 54-year love story built on deep devotion and plenty of laughter. On their 48th anniversary, their granddaughter Ciara asked, “How long have you kids been married?” Gene proudly stated, “48 loving years!” a split second later, “Shaz” chimed in with, “Too damn long!” before looking at him with her beautiful smile and adding, “Just kidding!”
A proud graduate of Lowell High School, Sharon followed her calling into education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Lowell State and a Master’s degree from UMass Lowell. She spent 32 magical years at the Lincoln School in Lowell as both a beloved elementary teacher and later as an inspiring principal. Sharon didn’t just teach; she created joy. She is fondly remembered for introducing cherished traditions like “Fancy Fridays” and her legendary annual Halloween pumpkin rewards. By the time she retired in 2015–honored by an all-day celebration packed with generations of well-wishers–she had mentored and inspired thousands of students and colleagues.
Sharon lived life with an adventurous spirit. She and Gene kicked off their marriage with a honeymoon across Europe, sparking a lifelong love of travel. Their ultimate happy place was Aruba, where they celebrated 35 consecutive Christmases making sunny memories with their family. When she wasn’t traveling, Sharon could be found passionately cheering on her New England Patriots, bringing her trademark enthusiasm to every single game.
Above all, Sharon’s life was defined by her radiant smile, boundless generosity, and an eager willingness to lift up anyone in need. While her family extends their deepest gratitude to the medical staff who cared for her with such compassion in her final days, they choose to focus on the vibrant light she brought to the world. Sharon’s life was a masterclass in love, learning, and laughter, and her joyful spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.
A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4th from 4pm – 6pm in the Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Ferry Street in Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 5th at 10am in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road in Nashua. All are asked to please meet at church. Burial will be held in Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua. If you are considering making a donation please consider the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org to help find the cure for this dreaded disease. To share an online message of condolence, please visit www.dumontsullivan.com. The Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home in Hudson is in charge of arrangements.