By MADDIE COOK
LYNNFIELD — Sharla Sieve holds a special place in the Lynnfield community’s collective heart because of the impact she had on so many people.
The community will come together to honor Sharla’s life and legacy during the inaugural “See The Good 5K Walk” on Sunday, Sept. 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the Town Common. Proceeds from the walk will go towards supporting various initiatives Sharla held close to her heart such as future scholarships for graduating Lynnfield High School seniors, tennis-related town initiatives and funding for Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sharla Sieve Liver Pump Fund.
Sharla’s most cherished role was being a mother to her five children. She was also devoted to her family, friends, community, Ave Maria Parish and Lynnfield Public Schools, both as a Lynnfield Middle School teacher and volunteer. Sharla was a lifelong Lynnfield resident, proud alumna of LPS and an accomplished Lynnfield tennis star. During her high school career, she modestly broke and set records, which led her to serving as head coach of the Lynnfield High School boys’ tennis team.
Sharla was a phenomenal athlete and, in her adult life, was passionate about walking. She was commonly seen walking a loop around town with her beloved dog, Piper, and chatting on her phone in all kinds of weather for countless miles and despite several injuries.
Sharla passed away from a battle with colon cancer in December 2022. When contemplating a way to honor their mother in a meaningful manner, Sharla’s oldest daughter, Maddie, felt a walk would be most appropriate. It is the hope of Sharla’s five children, Alex, Ben, Maddie, Olivia and Michell, that this walk will be an annual way to come together as a community in celebration of her life in the community that she deeply loved.
“My mom was a huge walker,” said Maddie Sieve. “Every morning, rain, snow or shine, you would pass her outside walking! The idea of the walk was perfect because it fit our mom’s personality so well and I know it’s what she would’ve wanted.”
Olivia Sieve agreed.
“The idea kind of originated as we tried to think of ways to keep my mom’s story and memory alive and to raise more money for the fundraiser,” said Olivia Sieve. “I think it is just a time where we can all get together to remember my mom and think about the legacy and impact she has. I think it is important because it is not only a way to raise more money, but it is also a time that the community can come together to have a good time with friends and family.”
The Sieve family hopes this walk will encourage the community to strive to “See The Good” all around just as Sharla always did.
Residents can register for the walk as an individual or as a family. To register for the walk, visit http://bit.ly/seethegoodwalk.