Sharon (Shari) Bates Smith, age 80, of Stratford, the beloved widow of John F. Smith, passed away peacefully with her son and sister by her side on Friday, December 31, 2021 in the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Born in Norwalk on September 23, 1941 to the late Walter E. and Marguerite (Kern) Bates, Shari graduated in 1959 from Norwalk High School and attended Central Connecticut State University. She married her husband in 1965 and was married for 51 years until his death in 2017. Their love was undeniable to anyone who knew them. Shari was a true renaissance woman , being able to do just about anything. In her earlier years, she enjoyed riding her motorcycle, playing the Vibraharp with not two but four mallets, playing racquetball, hosting parties for friends and family with her husband, and raising her son. She was a part-time bookkeeper for Wines Unlimited and John F. Smith Associates. When she lived in Easton, CT (95-18) you could find Shari on her tractor, perfecting her many beautiful gardens, "sticking and gluing" (covering furniture with fabric) her pieces, which were works of art, or spending time with her family. She had an amazing eye for decorating, with style that fit her perfectly. She was truly a lady of many talents and her love for her family was unending. Although dementia took her from them way too early, her heart never forgot them and she even danced with her young grandson just a mere 12 days before her passing. Her sister "Tee" was her constant and she will be deeply missed by all. Survivors include her devoted son, J. Gregory Smith and his wife Beth of Stratford, her cherished grandchildren, Ashley and Connor, her brother Gary Bates and wife Joyce of New Milford, sisters Sheila Plourde and her husband Roger of Maine, Sandra Galaro and her husband Bruce of Utah, and Denise Bates Jurasek of Newtown. Shari is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Cocozza and her husband Louis of Easton, several nieces and nephews, and dear lifelong friends Barbara Bourland of Wallingford, and Pat McGrath of Shelton. A special thank you to Nicole Jackson of Bridgeport for her love and care for Shari. Our family is eternally grateful that she knew your beautiful soul. Thank you to Erin and Taj. Because of you, Shari was so strong and was able to enjoy daily walks almost to the end. Thank you to Dr. Peter McAllister (Dr. Nice Shoes) for his care of Shari throughout her disease. A special thank you to Branford Hospice staff, especially Gwen and Eden for taking great care of her during her last days. There will be no calling hours; rather, a memorial celebration in Shari's honor will be held at a later date. The Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, those so inclined are welcome to make a donation in her memory to the CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405 via www.hospice.com or to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/donate .