Sharon Louise Buffington

Longtime Hudson, Wisconsin resident Sharon Louise Buffington, 81, died peacefully in the home she loved on August 7, 2024. She was under the care of Lakeview Hospice.

Sharon was born on July 1, 1943 and grew up in San Diego, California, the elder of Raymond and Dorothy Buffington’s two children. For Sharon, her membership in Girl Scouts from Brownies up through being a summer camp counselor was the most important feature of her childhood. She recalled selling so many Girl Scout cookies one year that she was proclaimed “Miss Cookie of San Diego.” A point of pride was that even the local baker bought some cookies from her.

After high school, Sharon’s academic studies were focused on the behavioral sciences. At one point, her pursuit of academic degrees found her in Stockholm, Sweden, teaching a psychology course in Swedish! Leaving Sweden, she returned to the United States and settled in Minnesota. In addition to having a private counseling practice, she continued her academic work in psychology in the doctoral program at the University of Minnesota. She had completed all work toward the doctorate except the dissertation when she was admitted to William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated in 1988. The law turned out to be her true calling in professional life.

As a Minnesota-licensed attorney, Sharon was in private practice with an office in Washington County. She later moved her office to her home in Hudson, Wisconsin. She loved the law and was proud to identify herself as an attorney.

The essence of Sharon’s life – what sometimes she literally brought to the table – was a zest for what life itself has to offer through the five senses. She welcomed guests with warm, comforting hugs. Her home and gardens danced with color, with the aromas of food that delighted and satisfied, and with music and lively conversations.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and by Sheila Chappel, her life partner of 17 years.

She is survived by her spouse, Katherine Cross, Sheila’s children and the extended Chappel family, her sister-in-law Ella Cross and the extended Cross family, and all the people who may not be related biologically or legally, but who have had deep, special, and enduring relationships with Sharon. We all share the pain of losing Sharon, the gratitude for the time and attention she gave each of us, and the comfort in knowing that she is now released from suffering.

Private celebrations of life are planned. Memorials may be sent to the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 Second Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55902.

Funeral Services Entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.