Sharon passed away on Saturday June 15, 2024

In memory of Sharon Burstein Walker z”l, beloved mother of our member, Becky Walker Grossman Sharon Burstein Walker lived with courage, tenacity, and a zest for life, anchored by family and Judaism.   Born June 2, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, she spent her childhood playing baseball with the boys, barehanded because she didn’t have a mitt. She excelled academically and attended Cornell University, where she met her husband, Don. Drawn to her fiery red hair and sense of humor, Don knew by their third date that he wanted to marry her. He remained devoted to her through 50 years of marriage, including the last 8 1/2 years of her deeply challenging illness.   Sharon poured herself into raising her kids, and supporting Don’s optical practice. A fifth-degree black belt in karate, she attended classes weekly with her kids. She attended every extended family milestone. She believed in making Judaism fun, with traditions like chametz scavenger hunts, colorful Purim costumes, and Lag Ba’Omer bonfires. Her hamantaschen, brisket, and latkes were unbeatable.   Sharon was deeply committed to her shul in New Jersey. She volunteered nearly full-time in leadership positions of the Hebrew School and congregation. Whether writing curricula, recruiting rabbis, managing beautification projects, or organizing events, she was always at the shul. Her granddaughter, Madeleine, recently delivered a D’var Torah about her, saying, “My Bubbe [was] a woman who [was] strong and fierce, and [was] not afraid to speak her mind. She made sure her voice was heard, and believed in the importance of standing up for her community and its well-being.”   Sharon is survived by her beloved husband, Don Walker; by her children, Becky and Ben Grossman, and Rick and Liz Walker; and by her grandchildren, Madeleine, Jack, and Eliza Grossman, and Sami and Mia Walker. Please join the family for shiva The funeral will be held on Thursday, June 20th, in New Jersey   The family will be sitting shiva on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25 6:00pm-8:00pm (minyan at 7:30pm)   Reisman Hall Temple Emanuel   Messages of love and condolence may be sent to the family here. HaMakom yinachem etchem betoch shaar avelei Tzion v’Yerushalayim. May the memory of Sharon Burstein Walker z”l be a blessing to all those who knew and loved her, and may the Almighty comfort the bereaved family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Temple Emanuel | 385 Ward St | Newton, MA 02459 US