Sharon Elizabeth Brettschneider, z"l, of Coventry, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family, on July 4th 2026 at the age of 77.

Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, Sharon was the daughter of the late George and Evelyn Hazlehurst. She is survived by her beloved husband of forty-nine years, Bruce Brettschneider; her daughter, Elizabeth Brettschneider, and son-in-law, Mark Uhlemann; her cherished grandson, George Uhlemann, who called her “Nanny”; her son, Nathan Brettschneider, and his longtime partner, Irina Stefuriuc; her sister, Cyndy Ostrout; her sisters-in-laws, Vicki Chamberlain and Rae Eiklor; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Janet Bailey.

Sharon built her career in libraries, eventually becoming Director of Library Development for the State of Connecticut. She had the curiosity and love of books the work required, but also the tact and gift for working with people that carried her into leadership. Even so, she never lost her fondness for her reference desk days, where a stranger’s odd, specific question could set off the satisfying hunt for an answer. She was proud to have helped create the statewide delivery system that still carries books between Connecticut libraries today. Sharon would often bristle at the shooshing, rule-bound image some people have of librarians; in her own way, she spent her career quietly disproving it—filling the office with laughter and fun.

That same mix of curiosity, service, and commitment to community shaped her Jewish life as well. At Temple B’nai Israel in Willimantic, she found fellowship, purpose, and a tradition of learning that fed her searching mind, eventually serving as president of the synagogue.

After Sharon’s retirement, she and Bruce spent many happy years on the coast of Downeast Maine, immersed in the natural beauty of the region. Sharon had a gift for noticing what others might hurry past: an interesting tree species, flowers coming into bloom, the changing colors of the seasons, and the ever-shifting rhythm of the Maine coast. She especially loved watching the shorebirds on the tidal flats in front of their home, binoculars in hand and her trusted Sibley guide nearby, patiently distinguishing one small, subtle variation from another. She delighted in these moments and, more importantly, taught those she loved to slow down, notice them, and appreciate the present. That may have been her greatest gift. Her family will forever see the world a little differently because of her.

Above all, Sharon was devoted to her family—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She believed simply in being kind and decent to people and lived that out quietly every day.

Sharon lived with health problems for a lot of her life and dealt with them the way she dealt with most things, with courage, grace; and quiet determination. Late in life, a double lung transplant gave her years she might not have otherwise had. Those years let her keep watching the tides in Maine and welcome a new grandchild into the world. Even on her hardest days, she still had a ready smile for the nurses and caregivers who looked after her.

Anyone who knew Sharon will remember that smile and the great sense of humor that went with it. She delighted in sharing a laugh with others—one time even “getting in trouble” for giggling too much with her daughter in the back of an Israeli tour bus. She was sharp, curious, and full of opinions, but wore her intelligence lightly. She loved a good fact, a good cultural recommendation, and a good story, especially the ones her children brought to her. She passed her love of puzzles on to her grandson George, introducing him to word games during (very) early morning snuggle sessions.

Sharon believed people should simply be kind and decent to one another, and she quietly lived that belief every day. That same decency was shown to her by the many physicians, nurses, and caregivers whose skill and compassion surrounded Sharon and her family during her final weeks. The family is deeply grateful to them, especially Linda Muleya, whose care and devotion brought Sharon comfort, dignity, and peace.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday, July 6th, 2026, at Temple Bnai Israel 383 Jackson Street, Willimantic, Connecticut, followed by burial at the congregation's cemetery in Mansfield, Connecticut located at the junction of CT Route 31 and CT Route 32 in Mansfield. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local public library. To leave an online condolence please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

May her memory be for a blessing.