BRISTOL — Sally Burrell died Sept. 17, 2026, after a brief illness with ovarian cancer. She accepted her path with grace and openness enjoying her final months singing with friends, appreciating nature and sunsets, and spending time with family.
Sally grew up near the ocean on Cape Cod and was drawn to the mountains for college at Westfield State and UMass. In New Hampshire, she worked as cook and XC ski guide at Moose Mountain Lodge, then came to lead tours with Vermont Bicycle Touring and fell in love with Bristol, Lincoln and cycling 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 creative and outdoor pursuits, 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. Many know her grounded presence as a skilled massage therapist and bodyworker. She often coordinated events that brought people together and created community through dancing, singing, activism, or gardening.
A talented and creative cook and artist, Sally sold her soups, salads, and pestos, and donated food to the food shelf. She produced beautiful artwork of scenes in Vermont and coastal Massachusetts, selling her cards and paintings at fairs and farmer’s markets. Sally had a presence at the Bristol farmer’s market as a vendor and co-manager, and she helped start the community garden in Bristol.
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, cycling and living locally.
Sally was curious and observant, creative, playful, competitive, funny. She loved to be in nature, ride her bike, grow and cook her own food, sing with friends and spend time with family in Brant Rock, Mass. She loved her solo time, as well as connecting with people and building community. 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. Deeply connect with another being. Observe and appreciate nature.
If you are moved to make a contribution in her honor, please consider: The Watershed Center, PO Box 96, Bristol, VT 05443; Local Motion [email protected], Bristol Food Shelf, 11 School St., Bristol, VT 05443; or Addison County Home Health and Hospice (ACHHH), PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.◊
