Born: 02/01/1958
Brockton, Massachusetts
Died: 09/17/2026
Bristol, Vermont
Details of service:
A celebration of life was held in August while Sally could enjoy it in person. A Green burial was held privately by her family following her death. Her final resting place is the the Monkton Friends’ Methodist Cemetery, off Cemetery Rd in Monkton.
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 on Cape Cod, and came to Vermont to lead bicycle tours with VBT, falling 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 coordinated events that brought people together and created community through dance, singing, cycling, food, and activism.
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 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 being an activist, spending time in nature, cycling, growing and cooking her own food, singing in community, 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. Deeply connect with another being. Observe and appreciate nature.
If you are moved to make a contribution in her honor, please consider: Patient Choices Vermont P.O. Box 671 Shelburne, VT 05482, Bristol Food Shelf, 11 School St., Bristol, VT 05443; or Addison County Home Health and Hospice (ACHHH), PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.◊
