Sharon Bartlett Hooper

Dr. Sharon Bartlett Hooper, age 65, of Leominster, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of Randy J. Hooper, with whom she shared 27 wonderful years of marriage built on love, adventure, learning, and unwavering devotion.

Born in Concord, Massachusetts on June 25, 1961, Sharon Sonia Bartlett was the cherished daughter of the late Charles E. Bartlett Jr. and Beverly A. (Ferris) Bartlett. She was raised in Stow, Massachusetts, graduating from Nashoba Regional High School in 1979. A gifted student and lifelong learner, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Lesley University in 1983, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She later earned a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, a degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education and Mathematics.

Sharon dedicated her life to education and the development of young minds. She began her teaching career at Wells Junior High School in Wells, Maine, before joining Alvirne High School in Hudson, New Hampshire, where she taught mathematics, sponsored a ski club, coached varsity cheerleading, and sponsored a foreign exchange student club.

Her passion for teaching and learning carried her around the world. From 1990 to 1995, Sharon taught at The American School in London, where she coached cheerleaders and led student trips throughout Europe. From 1995 to 1998, she taught at Yokohama International School in Japan, introducing elementary students to cooking and embracing opportunities to travel throughout Asia and the Pacific. During her years abroad, she explored new cultures, formed lifelong friendships, and broadened the lives of countless students through her enthusiasm, curiosity, and encouragement.

While living in Japan, Sharon met the love of her life, Randy. After returning to the United States, she taught at Arcado Elementary School in Georgia while the couple planned their future together. Sharon and Randy were married on June 19, 1999, and spent the next 27 years building a life filled with travel, family, friendship, and laughter.

Throughout her career, Sharon served students and educators in numerous roles, teaching in elementary, middle, and high schools across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Georgia, England, and Japan. She also worked for both the Georgia Department of Education and the Massachusetts Department of Education, helping shape educational programs beyond the classroom. Yet despite her many accomplishments, Sharon always considered herself, first and foremost, a teacher.

Outside of her profession, Sharon embraced every opportunity to travel, exploring Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and every corner of the United States. She loved discovering local traditions, exploring historic places, and meeting people from different cultures. An exceptional cook, she delighted family and friends with meals inspired by her travels and by the hundreds of cookbooks that filled her home. She enjoyed pottery, flower arranging, bicycling, cruising, and finding beauty and adventure wherever life took her.

Sharon's greatest joy, however, came from time spent with family. She treasured quiet moments with Randy and their beloved dogs, Hobbs and Hayley, and loved gathering family and friends around the dinner table. Her kindness, intelligence, generosity, and adventurous spirit touched everyone that was fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her husband, Randy, Sharon is survived by her brother, Warren B. Bartlett and his wife, Margie, of Clinton, Massachusetts; her niece, Sarah Bartlett of Clinton; her nephew, Steven Saari of Leominster; Randy's brothers, Larry Hooper of Carrollton, Georgia, and Kenny Hooper of Robbinsville, North Carolina; Randy's sisters, Joyce Hedrick Ammerman of Murphy, North Carolina, and Debbie Carver of Robbinsville, North Carolina; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces, and great-grand-nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Charles Edward Bartlett III.

A private graveside ceremony and burial will be held for immediate family. There will also be a private event on November 21st, 2026. Friends and former students who wish to be included in the event may contact Randy Hooper at randy.hooper@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Rathbun House of WNC Bridge Foundation, or the American Heart Association.

Sharon's legacy lives on in the thousands of students whose lives she touched, the friendships she nurtured around the world, and the family she loved beyond measure. She approached life with curiosity, kindness, generosity, and an adventurous spirit that inspired all who knew her. Whether teaching a child, sharing a meal, planning the next journey, or simply spending time with loved ones, Sharon made people feel valued and welcomed. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she enriched.