Sharon Ruatto-Steadman

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Sharon Ruatto-Steadman, our beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. After many years struggling with a complex brain disease, Sharon passed away peacefully at her home in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on September 24, 2025, with her loving husband, David Steadman, by her side. She was 81 years old. In keeping with her generous spirit, Sharon donated her brain to scientific research to help advance the search for a cure for rare neurodegenerative disease.

Born on August 10, 1944, in Braidwood, Illinois, to Dominic and Anna Ruatto, Sharon grew up surrounded by the warmth of her sisters, Lucile (Andrews) and Maria (Zajaczek), and her brother Marty. Life in a small town, enriched by a large extended family, instilled in Sharon two abiding joys: treasuring time with loved ones and cultivating a lifelong passion for travel and new experiences.

Sharon began her career in education after earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She later transitioned to a career in management consulting and human resources, where she was admired for her insight, dedication, and generosity of spirit.

Sharon is survived by her husband, David Steadman, and his three sons Christopher (Alberto), Timothy (Jennifer), and Michael; her daughter, Lisel (Mark) Macenka; her son, Michael (Jessica) Mittelholzer; and her cherished grandchildren, Isabel (Daniel), Caleb, Bis, Catherine, Elsa, Tommy, Emily and Lucas.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Old North Church, 193 Salem Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The service will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please click: https://youtube.com/live/RagDBW4ozzo to view.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to CurePSP.org (https://www.psp.org) in Sharon’s memory. CurePSP raises awareness, builds community, improves care and searches for a cure for rare neurodegenerative disease.