Shari A. MacArthur

Shari MacArthur (Wojcik), age 58, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 after a long, courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Shari was raised and educated in Braintree where she completed her high school studies and went on to complete several computer technician classes and certificates.

Shari was not one to leave things to chance, she was someone who made things happen. This was first exemplified when she met the love of her life, Paul, in 1987 and immediately took the lead on creating a life together with him. 

During their first year together, Shari and Paul achieved a remarkable feat by ascending Mount Washington together. As they approached the summit, Shari injured her hip as 100+ mile winds descended on the summit. They conquered that mountain together reaching the summit together arm in arm. Their life together would mirror that summit climb, working as a team to overcome all of the challenges life throws at you. Shari had a presence about her that was fearless, she could do anything, and she made those around her feel the same way. 

The life that ensued after they were married a year later was full of hard work, devotion to each other and their children, and making an impact on the world around them. Shari’s numerous accomplishments demonstrated her profound compassion and unwavering dedication to her role as a mother and a source of support for those around her.

Here are some of her notable accomplishments that only partially illustrate her remarkable achievements:

Shari founded a nonprofit organization called "Free Computers for Learning Disabled Kids", which successfully provided countless computers to disabled children, which significantly impacted and transformed their lives for the better.

With her lifelong best friend, Kathy Burns, she dedicated significant time to leading a Girl Scout troop. Her responsibilities extended beyond cookie sales, encompassing the organization on numerous trips and educational experiences.

Her love for motherhood continued to shine through in her role as a soccer coach. She wasn’t just any coach; she was a soccer coach champion! She led her daughter Victoria’s soccer team to the championship! Through coaching, she touched the lives of every girl on her team, giving them a boost of confidence that will last a lifetime.

Shari had a caring, selfless nature that will never be forgotten by those who experienced it. Her compassionate nature was evident through her numerous acts of service to the homeless, such as preparing sandwiches for them during the holiday season. Her family hopes that her giant heart will inspire others to be as selfless as she was.

If Shari had one characteristic that she wanted you to know about her, it was her strong emphasis on family. During her summers, she spent time with her family at a cottage in Maine, where she engaged in various activities such as operating the boat, water skiing, and notably, swimming across the entirety of the lake! Shari and Paul enjoyed many sunrises together in Maine, rising before dawn to enjoy their coffee as they planned their day with the children.

On numerous occasions, Paul would visit his mother in Needham for lunch during the workday and discover Shari already present, assisting her around the house, engaging in long conversation, and cherishing shared memories. Grandma MacArthur was a key person and mentor in Shari’s life throughout motherhood. 

Family trips were very important to Shari. This included driving to Walt Disney World many times, weekend getaways to North Conway, camping at Crawford Notch, Lake Winnipesaukee, Granny Kent Pond and so much more. It was important to Shari to make the best memories for both Paul and her children. These were the happiest times of their life together and the memories of those times will live on. The family plans on making honorary trips to her favorite places in the future. 

When Shari injured her hip on Mount Washington, she could not climb the last mile. Paul, her husband, had Shari lean on him to help carry her through that last part of the mountain - all the way to the top of the summit. Symbolic of Shari’s last years of life - Paul carried Shari through the hardest and most difficult part of her life - the longest mile. Several days before she passed, she said to her husband, best friend and caregiver, "Thank you for taking such good care of me" which meant the world to those involved in her care. The family would like to especially thank all of the medical professionals involved in her extensive care since 2019. And to the Nurses on Pratt 4 at South Shore hospital thank you for showing the care and love to Shari allowing her to transition peacefully and without pain.

Shari's greatest joy in her final years was being a grandmother to her little angel Grace Ruth Defrancesco. Nothing made her happier to hear, listen and watch Grace. She was a proud Grandmother! During every visit Shari would greet her little angel by singing the first versus of "Amazing Grace" providing yet another memory of her steadfast devotion and love to her family.

Shari is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Paul MacArthur of Braintree, her loving children Shari II Ramón and her husband Yordi of Dorchester, Victoria Defrancesco and her husband Darren, and their daughter (granddaughter of Shari) Grace Ruth of W. Bridgewater, James MacArthur of Bellingham, and Michaela MacArthur and her fiancé Nathaniel Collier of Weymouth. She is also the sister of Robert, Stephen, Douglas, the late Jeffrey, and the late Deborah Wojcik as well as many nieces and nephews. Shari was predeceased by her mother, Victoria Anne Wojcik (Aitken) and father, Stanley Wojcik both of Braintree Massachusetts. Special mention to the following family members that were so important to Shari before her illness: Uncle Larry Roche, Aunt Sallie Lavi, Grandma Ruby, the Roche family and the Aitken family. 

Services for Shari will be a Celebration of Life held at the Son’s of Italy in Braintree on March 15th, 2025, at 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Shari’s name to the Marge Crispin Center https://margecrispincenter.org/