Sharyn Lee Santolin, 80, of Copperas Cove, Texas, passed peacefully in her sleep at home, surrounded by the love of her family, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. She was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, on July 7, 1945, to Phyllis Prusak and Edward Prajzner, who preceded her in death.

Her Life and Faith
Sharyn's early years were not always easy, but she carried herself with strength and grace that never let hardship define her. As a young mother, she poured her heart into raising her two beloved children and worked tirelessly to give them the best life she could.

Over the years, she held a variety of jobs, including bank teller, civilian worker for the United States Army, and caregiver in assisted living facilities.

Throughout her life, Sharyn found deep comfort and steady joy in her faith. She attended Foster Memorial Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, and after returning to Texas, she remained devoted, faithfully joining services through Facebook Live and rarely missing a sermon from Pastor Barbara. Her son, James, fondly remembered attending services with her and sharing in the "wave of peace" after the sermon.

Her faith stayed strong until the very end; in her final days, she was still able to recite Psalm 23 with perfect clarity.

Her Love for Family and Service to Others
To those who loved her most, Sharyn was known by many cherished names: Mom, Moomi/ Moomay, Gram, Gma, and Granny. No matter what you called her, she was the heart of her family—a vibrant, loving presence, who made sure everyone around her felt cared for, comforted, and deeply loved.

She never wanted to be a burden to anyone, but she carried the burdens of so many others with quiet strength and compassion. She welcomed people as if they were her own and unfailingly placed the needs of others before her own. That beautiful selflessness was evident in the last eight years of her life, which she devoted to volunteering with Operation Stand Down Central Texas in Copperas Cove, helping homeless veterans in her community.

She was also the one her family could count on to bring laughter, even in the hardest moments—always coming in "clutch," as her granddaughter Melissa would say. Sharyn loved her family more than words can fully express. She celebrated every milestone, every birthday, and every holiday with joy, and when she could not be there in person, she made sure her love still arrived in the form of a thoughtful card and a reminder that they were always on her mind.

Her Adventures and Her Legacy
In her later years, Sharyn embraced adventure with the same spirit and curiosity that marked her life.

She zip-lined across the Royal Gorge Bridge, drove to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, spent time at Lake George, sailed the Caribbean Sea, and snorkeled among brilliantly colored fish as beautiful as she was.

Last September, she attended the Big E in Massachusetts, enjoying the fair with her son and daughter-in-law and adding one more treasured memory to a life full of meaningful experiences.

More than anything, Sharyn treasured the blessing of watching her great-grandchildren grow. She cheered them on through school, sports, and the quiet, ordinary moments that meant the most. Everything they did filled her with pride, whether they knew it or not.

Sharyn loved each of them fiercely and completely, no matter whose blood ran through their veins. To her, family was never defined only by bloodlines or last names, but by love, loyalty, and the people who stayed. She lived out the meaning of unconditional love every single day.

Her Passions and Personality
Alongside her deep love for family, Sharyn had a few favorite passions of her own: the New England Patriots—especially Tom Brady—the Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Bruins. Although she never made it to a football game, a friend texted her updates during every game so she would never miss a moment.

She did get to watch the Red Sox play live at Globe Life Field with her granddaughter Katarina and great-grandson Brantley. She never made it to a Bruins game, but now she has the best seat in the house for every one of them.

And perhaps most of all, she loved her turtles. Sharyn was an avid collector of sea turtles, making them her signature in necklaces, figurines, shirts, and so much more. In many ways, sea turtles mirrored her spirit: resilient, strong, curious, and quietly beautiful. She always had a question to ask, wisdom to share, and strength to offer to those who needed it.

Survived By
Sharyn is survived by her two children, Farida Karpoff and her husband, Jeffrey, and James Dotiwalla and his wife, Kim; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Karpoff Jr. and his wife, Tanya, Melissa Hansen and her husband, Christopher, Katarina Karpoff, and Alex Dotiwalla; and five great-grandchildren, Caden Barker, Jeffrey Karpoff III, Brantley Hansen, Chloe Karpoff, and Jameson Hansen. She is also survived by several extended family members of her grandchildren and their spouses.

Closing Notes
Services have not yet been determined. In keeping with Sharyn's wishes, she will be cremated and taken to a special place in Massachusetts.

The family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support they have received during this difficult time. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff at Baylor Scott & White for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care they provided in Sharyn's final days.