Nancy “Sharon” Rauseo, 70, passed away on August 18, 2021, in New Bedford, MA.
Sharon was born on November 28, 1950, in Marion, North Carolina. She spent her formative years in Westfield, MA, where she graduated from Westfield High School, Class of ’68. She continued her undergraduate studies at Monmouth College, IL, and Westfield State College and went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at Western New England Law School.
After moving to Tucson, AZ, Sharon became a driving force with Tucson Legal Aid for over two decades. While there she designed and implemented a program that still provides free legal services for seniors living in Arizona. Sharon was a fierce and passionate advocate for anyone who needed her, both in her professional and private life.
After retirement, Sharon found her dream home in Mattapoisett, MA, where she diligently worked her garden, crocheted, and rekindled her interest in playing the violin.
Sharon is survived by her husband, John Ferreira, and her siblings, Michelle, Pamela, and Michael, as well as her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Nancy Rauseo.
“Sha-Sha” will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or you may donate online at stjude.org.
Private funeral arrangements entrusted to Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home, 129 Allen St., New Bedford.
For online guestbook, please visit www.aubertine-lopes.com.
Dr. John Ferreira. I worked with Sharon in Tucson, Arizona. I wish to tell you how sorry I am for your tremendous loss. You were always kind to me and so patient. I wish you the best as you struggle through these trying times..
Condolences to the rest of Sharon’s family as well.
Dear Sharon: You will always be in my prayers. You were a lady with a lot of courage, a beautiful soul and a great and caring human being. THANK YOU for all you did for Legal Aid Society, clients, community and colleagues in Tucson, Az. May your soul rest in peace, you will always going to be remembered with love and respect in my family.
For John and Sharon’s family, there are no words to take away sadness when you lose someone you love. This come to simply let you know that you’re wished strength and comfort in the days ahead. please receive my deepest sympathy and my prayers.
Dr. John Ferreira and family, my deepest condolences. I also worked with Sharon at Legal Aid.
There are no words to take away sadness when you lose someone you care for and love. This comes to simply let you know that you’re wished strength, peace and comfort in the days ahead. God bless you and your family.
Dr. John Ferreira and family, I worked many years with Sharon. Her contribution to Southern Arizona Legal Aid and to the low income community will be forever remembered. I respected her strength and her dedication to the work. I learned much from her as a colleague. Bless her soul. My deepest condolences to you and the family.
Dr John Ferreira and Family, I worked many years with Sharon under her supervision at Southern Arizona Legal Aid. We all remember her being tough but she always would protect us too and she was very tough with me but in long run she made me tough too and I thank her for that. I missed her when she retired. May she Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to you and the family.
Mickey, Pammy, and Mikey., and Dr. Ferreira. Please accept my most sincere condolences on your loss.
Sharon and I went way, way back, to when you all were little kids, before your family moved to Woronoco Avenue in Westfield, to the time Sharon walked to Southampton Road School where we became best friends (we called ourselves ‘blood sisters’) in 4th grade. We remained close through most of high school but lost touch until 2019 when Sharon joined two other friends and me (we were all in the band) for a picnic at Stanley Park. That intimate reunion meant a great deal to me. Sharon gave us an overview of her life and made very modest mention of her accomplishments over 50+ lost years. She and I kept a little email connection thereafter, but it fell off and the pandemic diverted me from any effort to check in. At this tragic time I feel some regret for letting that happen. Our emails included memories of long phone calls, our elementary school teachers, and certain milestone events, like the day your mother cut off her long, thick auburn hair. I believe I was there that day. The Sharon I knew was bright, inquisitive, a great student, always full of fun and energy, a friend to many. She told me of her devotion to your parents at the end of their lives, and I now see in other posts the level of respect she commanded for her accomplishments with Southern Arizona Legal Aid. She touched lives and left a positive mark on the world. Please know I hold all of you in my heart, along with happy memories of a truly wonderful childhood friend.
In sincere sympathy,
Cindy McGilpin Palmer
Dr. Ferreira and Sharon’s family,
I am very sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. I worked with Sharon at Southern Arizona Legal Aid for many years. She was my supervisor during my first year and a half at SALA when I worked in the intake unit. As a supervisor, Sharon supported me and treated me with respect, for which I will always be grateful. As an intake attorney I came to appreciate the importance of the role she filled, and how challenging it was at times. As a staff attorney I appreciated her as a dedicated and hard-working colleague. I salute her for the many years of service she gave to the client community in Tucson. May she Rest In Peace.