Sharon Milligan

RUMFORD – As the sun rose on the eastern side of Black Mountain Monday morning, the world grew immeasurably dimmer as a cherished and unique soul departed. Surrounded in her home by the ones she held most dear, Sharon Milligan, 71, of Rumford, set aside her brave battle with cancer and rejoined her beloved parents and other departed family members on Aug. 29, 2022.

Born Oct. 28, 1950, to Roland and Thelma (Trenoweth) Milligan of Rumford, Sharon was the eldest of seven children and always watched over her younger siblings, and later their families, from her childhood until she drew her last breath. She was educated in Rumford schools, departing Rumford after her graduation from Stephens High School in 1969 to settle briefly in Portland. City life never agreed with her, however, and she finally settled back in Rumford, close to her large family.

Her family was her life, her strength, and her singular focus. She was immensely proud of her daughter and son, and took constant joy from being with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families. She was always there to help with anything anyone needed, whether it was a home improvement project, making her famous pineapple squares for a function, or just to listen and offer the occasional sage advice as her loved ones shared their personal struggles. She also tirelessly and selflessly cared for each of her parents in their end-of-life struggles with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, an unforgettable contribution that amazed her entire family in its depth and breadth.

She is survived by her beloved children, Tami Martel, and husband Roland of Rumford; Jonathan Ross and wife, Laura, of Scarborough; grandchildren, Rebecca Couch and husband Marcus, of Rumford; Keena Martel, of Rumford; great-grandchildren, Adrian, Kayli and Gillian Couch; siblings, Laurie Glover and husband David, of Rumford; Roland Milligan and wife Cindi, of Rumford; Cheryl Merchant and husband, Greg, of Rumford; Pam Hanson and husband, Steve, of Rumford; Kim Gravel and husband, Paul, of Mexico; Mark Milligan and wife, Deborah, of Rumford.

She was predeceased by beloved parents, Roland and Thelma Milligan of Rumford, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and other loved ones.

Friends and family are invited sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

A Mass of Christian burial for Sharon will be celebrated on Friday, September 2, 1 p.m., at Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford. All are welcome to attend. A gathering will take place afterward in the church hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, those interested may make donations in Sharon’s memory to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, or Alzheimer’s

Association of Maine.