Sharon Gage

Sharon B. O’Loughlin Gage, 61, passed away on November 28, 2022, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous eight-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born in Hartford, CT on August 21, 1961, she was the daughter of Frances “Peg” O’Loughlin and the late James O’Loughlin. Brought up in Westford, MA she graduated third in her class from Westford Academy in 1979, and then graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, class of 1983. She continued her studies at the University of Vermont, receiving her Masters of Science in Geology in 1986. She worked as an environmental specialist, and later owned and operated Patrick’s Bar and Grill in Chicopee, MA.
From an early age, Sharon developed a love of the outdoors. She participated in her high school’s Cirrus Outdoor Club, where she went on many hikes and overnight camping excursions in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While in college she joined the UMass Outing Club, where at times she donned crampons to explore the challenges of winter ice climbing. She was an avid gardener and had a soft spot for weeds in certain places. Sharon loved traveling, most recently to Ireland and Scotland with the “double-bookend-sisters”, and to Lake Winnipesaukee, NH for a relaxing family vacation. She took numerous trips to Block Island to visit her parents and fondly remembered many sailing adventures with her family on school breaks.
A voracious reader, she shared her favorite books with her children - animatedly reading bedtime stories using different voices for each character. She was also a fan of the science fiction show “Dr. Who” and recently joined in the fun at the FanExpo in Boston, cosplaying as the Thirteenth Doctor. Sharon had a beautiful singing voice and hosted, and participated in, countless karaoke and open mic nights, often singing duets with her sister Terry. She could play the flute and the guitar, as well. Sharon richly decorated the home for each holiday, sharing her spirit with all who visited. She leaves her family well-supplied with sticky notes, giant calendars, and many pieces of owl decor.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 20 years, Keith Gage, her beloved children Renee Bouldin, James “J.B.” Gage, Margaret “Maggie” Gage, and Hope Gage, her mother Peg, her brother Michael O’Loughlin, whom she called “Miguel,” and his wife Michelle of West Deptford, NJ, and several cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Terry O’Loughlin. Her light and smile will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held Saturday December 10, 2022, at 10:30AM at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA, followed by a funeral home service at 11:30AM. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rays of Hope Foundation or the Cancer House of Hope in her memory.