Sally Burrell died on September 17, 2026, after a brief illness with ovarian cancer. She accepted her path with grace and openness, enjoying her final months on her own terms — singing with friends, appreciating nature and sunsets, and spending time with family.
Sally grew up on Cape Cod and attended Westfield State College and UMass. She moved to Vermont to lead bicycle tours with VBT and fell in love with Bristol, Lincoln and the Green Mountain State. She put down roots in Addison County and stayed.
Sally tread lightly upon the Earth yet had far-reaching impact in her communities and on all who knew her. For one who did not value material wealth, she lived a rich life with many great friends and acquaintances. She prioritized time for outdoor activities, creativity, personal growth and activism. She was a force for good in her community. People often describe the light and love she emanated, and folks knew her as one who spoke her truth.
Sally had a rewarding work life, choosing or creating jobs that brought her fulfillment. She was a skilled massage therapist and had many devoted clients. She coordinated events that brought people together in community through dance, singing, cycling, gardening and activism.
Sally was actively involved with the Bristol Energy Committee, advocating for energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. She spoke up with courage and conviction at public meetings and events and was instrumental in getting solar arrays installed in Bristol and keeping the gas pipeline out. She was a proponent of a car-free lifestyle, giving up her vehicle and modeling use of public transportation, walking and living locally.
Sally was curious and observant, creative, playful, competitive, funny. She loved being in nature, cycling, growing and cooking her own food, singing with friends, and spending time with family in Brant Rock, Mass. Her spirit of positivity and possibility will carry on in the hearts and actions of all who knew her.
In Sally’s honor, we invite you to slow down and pause to be in this moment. Ground in your own body. Notice with wonder the nature around you.
If you are moved to make a contribution in Sally’s name, please consider: Patient Choices Vermont, PO Box 671, Shelburne, VT 05482, or Addison County Home Health and Hospice (ACHHH), PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
This article appears in October 7 • 2026.