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Sharon Chancellor Obituary
Born in Mt. Vernon, OH, she was the daughter of the late Charles V., Jr. and Hazel E. (Weaver) Chancellor.
Sharon received a BA in Political Science from Ohio University and a Masters degree in Organizational Development from The New School in New York. She was self-employed, working in Human Resource Management Development with clients across the New England area.
Besides her partner and daughter she leaves a brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Terri Chancellor of Cary, NC; two nieces, Jen and Brooke Chancellor and two nephews, Darian and David Chancellor. Sharon is well known in the RI community for generously giving of her time to many agencies and non-profits, including The Womens Fund of RI, Crossroads RI, United Way of Rhode Island, Youth in Action, Day One, Providence Plan and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence to name only a few.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 at 10 a.m. in Kingston Congregational Church, 2610 Kingstown Road, Kingston. Her Burial will be private. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. in the FAGAN-QUINN Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to any of the above organizations will be appreciated. For information and guestbook visit: FaganQuinnFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Chancellor
Tom Quinn
October 13, 2008
Daria,
Judy Grassi called to tell me of Sharon's passing. My deepest condolences to both you and to Alex. Although I had not met Sharon while we were co-workers at AMS, you had spoken of her many times, and I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Tom Quinn
Nick Fleisher
October 10, 2008
Daria and Alex,
I am a director at CSO where I attended 5 or 6 trainings with Sharon. Sharon was so alive in these trainings that I feel like she was a friend. I am so glad to have met her and known her. She is a huge loss for us at CSO. Please accept my condolences and know that our thoughts are with your family. Sincerely,
Mary Capobianco
October 10, 2008
Sharon was a new friend to Big Sisters of Rhode Island. We were privledged and honored to get to know her for the short time she was with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sharon's family and to all those who love and miss Sharon. The board and staff are trully saddended by the loss of this great woman.
my heartfelt condolences,
Mary Capobianco on behalf of the board and staff of Big Sisters of Rhode Island
Mary Likins
October 9, 2008
Because Sharon was a professional, I did not know that she had a partner. I did know that she had a family who she held very dear, for when we spoke after a Diversity Training she provided to Clinical and Support Options in Northampton, Sharon mentioned with joy and affection how much sharing a meal together with those whom she adored meant to her: she detailed how honor and reverence are reciprocated when those who she invited to sit at the dinner table with her linger & laugh over good food, wine and nice music, turn off all electronics, including televisions and cells to give attention and respect to those who are sitting at the dinner table sharing their daily lives. She clearly expressed her desire to maintain this ritual and have this carried on to future family members. Actually, she expected this behavior from family/friends. Sharon spoke of this symbolic communion with such reverence and animation that I was able to transcend myself to that dinner hour, even though I only had the pleasurable delight of knowing Sharon from the training and from a phone conversation. Sharon touched me. She was interested in the history of the Northampton State Hospital, the irony of the training being held in a room of the last remaining building of the mental hospital, the recent dedication of a site beside the hospital grounds where two persons of color were executed without solid proof of guilt, Sojourner Truth's dedication statue to her advocacy to freedom in diversity, and her wish to return to our town to learn more about it's rich history.
To Daria, Alex and Sharon's family, I extend to you my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. A supervisor informed us of her passing Wednesday. I am glad to have found this site to tell my story of Sharon. She lingers long once she is known; I raise my glass to her.
Freda Peters
October 9, 2008
I am so saddened (and shocked) to learn of Sharon's passing. We served on the United Way Board together and developed a special caring and respect for each other. Over the years we saw each other off and on and warmly spent time catching up on our busy lives.
Sharon was a unique, warm and caring person. I am sorry that I did not learn of her passing until after the funeral.
Daria and Alex, I extend my very deepest sympathy.
Freda Peters
Dawn Occhi
October 9, 2008
Daria, I just found out today -- I am so sorry -- I will be contacting you asap. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you and Allie - but, remember you have wonderful people around you that love you very much!
Claudia Gordon
October 8, 2008
Dearest Daria and Allie,
My heart aches for you and the devestating loss of Sharon. We are blessed to have known, loved and laughed with Sharon for these years ... since the girls were toddlers. Here for you always, much love ...
Ellen Swanson
October 7, 2008
Sharon touched many lives as is obvious from reading the many entries here. She touched my life when she conducted diversity training at AMS. I thought "why do I need this training - I am know what diversity means". I learned much from that training that I still use even 5 years later. Sharon had the unique gift of making you look outside yourself and also making you look inside yourself at the same time - a very difficult thing to accomplish, especially with a stubborn Irish girl like myself.
I thank Daria for bringing Sharon to AMS and for helping us see and understand.
Daria and Allie know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and take strength from all of these entries. Please also take comfort in the Irish Blessing below.
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the winds always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain fall soft upon your fields and until you meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand".
Norma Conley,
October 6, 2008
Daria, I am so sorry for your loss. Sharon was a good person and I can not think about the days that we worked together without thinking of her sense of humour. I was very sorry that I was not able to attend the service, but I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and your daughter. There is no sense in such an early death, but remembering the wonderful times that you shared will help the pain. You will be in my thoughts.
Pamela Messore
October 6, 2008
Daria - Everytime I try to write about Sharon, I break down. I have never known a more talented, funny, bright, and clever woman. I admire her and have thought of her as a mentor for over 20 years. She made me think, she made me work, she made me laugh. She was gift I gave myself. Daria - my heart is full of sadness for you and Alex. I hope that you and your family will feel the love and compassion from so many for whom Sharon was a beacon of light and love. I will always love her.
Laura Theisen
October 6, 2008
Daria,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family.
Betsy Shimberg
October 3, 2008
What a loss for our community.
I learned an enormous amount from Sharon as she guided Youth in Action through an executive director transition. Sharon had incredible wisdom and an amazing ability to glean the essential from all the other stuff. I can still hear her hearty guffaw.
I will never forget the first time I walked her through Youth in Action, introducing her to the youth. She marched right up to every person in the room and introduced herself as "Sharon". There was no pretense with her - she treated everyone equally and with respect.
My condolences to Daria, Alex and her family. She will be deeply missed.
Steve Grubman-Black
October 3, 2008
I had known Sharon for years, having served with her on two of her many outreach and public service endeavors. She was a wonderful human being who worked and lived for justice and dignity for all. I am one of many who sorely misses her warm smile and powerful hugs. May she rest in peace.
Rochelle Lee
October 3, 2008
Sharon,
I will miss you. I will continue to be thankful for your wisdom, natural grace and selfless commitment to family, social justice and the power of goodwill.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family and friends who loved you so much. Your passing leaves us all with one less candle of light to guide us, inform us and inspire us.
Keep your hand on our shoulders and your work will be done in the manner you taught us.
Rochelle
A Friend
October 3, 2008
You touched us all and made us the better for it.
Sleep Well.
Ellen F. Mark
October 3, 2008
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family during this time of loss. Sharon was a beautiful, thoughtful and caring person. I knew her from her time volunteering as a board member of John Hope Settlement House. She always greeted everyone with a smile, she also took the time to remember staff members by name. She will always be remembered, God will ease the pain you all feel at this time, she's not here, however her Spirit stays with you forever. God called this special "Angel" home.
Frances Araujo
October 3, 2008
Dear Family ,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I was very lucky to have known Sharon in her professional capacity but I felt we could have been good friends,too. She was wonderful and was taken far too soon.
Heidi Nelson
October 2, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sharon's passing. I am really struggling to find the words to express my feelings...and I don't often find myself at a loss for words. I fear whatever words I use will not do her life justice...she was that extraordinary...but I will try.
I first met Sharon in 1985 when I had the good fortune of working under her capable leadership when she served as the Senior Vice President of Fleet Financial Group's Human Resources department. She was the epitome of a strong, professional woman and was held in the highest esteem at every level of the organization. One of my fondest memories of working at Fleet is of a day when I surprised Sharon by standing my ground with Fleet's CFO to get something approved. I reveled in the opportunity to "do her proud!"
More than ten years later, I was blessed to work with Sharon again when she did diversity training and facilitated meetings of our management group at the YMCA of Greater Providence. Sharon literally taught hundreds of employees as well as board members how to think back to the first time THEY felt different in their life. It was a very powerful exercise. What Sharon shared of herself and what she elicited from others during those sessions is something that will be etched upon my heart and mind forever. I will always remember the mixture of strength and vulnerability with which she delivered personal anecdotes. You could hear a pin drop as she shared her history, and those who heard it were instantly transported to the times and places she described...and felt the utmost privilege in being allowed access to the personal journey which made her the person she was on that day. I dare say there were tears amongst members of some groups....and yet, I can close my eyes and hear her hearty laugh. She showed versatility in her intellect as well as her emotions.
I was proud to be one of the YMCA staff who was trained by Sharon to present the diversity training she developed. I felt honored and as if I was passing on her legacy to the employees who came to the Y after the initial sessions that Sharon taught when we first introduced the program. Teaching the material that Sharon wrote was one of the parts of my job as Human Resources Director that I enjoyed the most. I found myself energized and transformed every time I taught the material. I frequently share parts of that presentation in conversations I have today with people, and, like one other person commented here, think often of "tracking" and the different "lens through which the world is viewed" by members of dominant versus subordinate groups. Sharon magnified my sensitivities.
I've often thought of sending a note to Sharon to tell her what an impact she has had upon my life. I'm sorry now that I didn't do so in her lifetime, but I share it here and hope she'll know. We did have a wonderful conversation at the end of one of those diversity training sessions, and reflected upon how different both of our lives were since the Fleet days. I hope during that conversation she felt the great respect and esteem I held for her.
My condolences to all her family and friends as they grieve the loss of such a unique, gifted and loving person in their lives....especially to Daria. May you find comfort in remembering all the indelible marks she made upon your lives...and on the lives of so many others.
October 2, 2008
Dear Daria & Ali
We were so saddened to hear about Sharon. She was a lovely person. Our hearts go out to you. May the love of your family and friends give you comfort during this difficult time.
All Our Love & Sympathy
Rosalie, Matthew, Jillian, James & Catherine Ryan
Dana white
October 2, 2008
To Daria & the Jen Chancellor family, my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. My prayers are with you.
Ginny Martins
October 2, 2008
Dear Daria, Alex and family:
Sharon was an inspiration to all she touched. She was a very talented individual who was sincere, honest and a mentor to many. I have such fond memories of her whether in the office or on the “ball field”. Whatever she undertook, whether personal or professional, she gave more than required or expected with the utmost integrity and professionalism. All will miss her but we will cherish those wonderful memories always. My sincere sympathy,
Ann Babin
October 2, 2008
Dearest Daria ...
I am just devastated for you. Though time and distance may have separated us, deep love rooted in our hearts and spirits bond us together thru eternity. My deepest sorrow to you and Alli. Sharon was just a phenominal woman.
I love you,
Annie B.
Kay & Ron Ransom
October 2, 2008
Daria, Alex, Craig & Family,
We are shocked and saddened by the very sudden death of Sharon.
You have our deepest sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. Time will heal the pain and keep the spirit and memory alive. We will always have memories of our wonderful times spent in Mt Vernon, of growing up and watching Sharon become the successful, inspirational person we were so proud of.
Laura DiSano
October 2, 2008
Sharon conducted the toughtest but fairest interview I ever experienced for a position. She was also a person you could approach about issues of fairness in the workplace, or be enlightened with ideas and vision for the future. She was a public servant of the highest order and her presence will be severely missed in the RI community...a community which she fully adopted when she settled here.My admiration for her leadership , intellect and soul are enormous. She of small stature was a giant in contribution to our state and its citizenry and she did all of that in a quiet and unheralded way. I will never forget her and the influence she had upon me.
With deep reverence,
Laura DiSano
Judith Earle
October 2, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Sharon on a Coalition committee for a few years. She was a wonderful combination of focused professionalism sprinkled with laughter and enthusiasm. My sincere sympathy to Daria, Alex and all of Sharon's circle of family and friends at this time of loss.
Pamela Zappardino
October 1, 2008
Dear Daria...
You are in my thoughts and I hope you are taking comfort in the love that surrounds you and Sharon and Alex.
Sharon was always smiling and so full of energy ...I know that energy is still smiling for you and Alex.
love,
Pam
Ann Fournier
October 1, 2008
Daria and Alex,
We were so shocked and deeply saddened by the news today. Sharon was always so kind, warm, friendly and thoughtful to our family. My heart goes out to you and Alex during this difficult time. Although we haven't seen each other in a while, you have never been far from our thoughts. Our prayers and best wishes are with you.
Sincerely,
The Fournier Family
Lois Sheffield
October 1, 2008
Dear Daria,Alex,Craig and Family,
My sincerest sympathy to all of you,at this sad time.Sharon was such a wonderful person and an inspiration to all who knew her, she will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to all of you.
Lois Sheffield
Lois Kebe
October 1, 2008
It is with the deepest regret that I write this condolence. I address my sympathies to Craig, Terri, Sharon's partner Daria and their child.
I grew up with Sharon in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and it was just the other day that I found her senior class picture. Isn't it funny how friends stay connected - even when time and space separates? I had intended to send it to her in an email. But as usual I procrastinated -now it's to late.
I am in shock at her passing. Although I did not get the opportunity to talk with her, may her soul rest in peace.
Sharon was the best! I have never forgotten the fun we had in school. She was intelligent, athletic, trustworthy and beautiful. As far as I am concerned our friendship never failed.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Family - be strong.
God bless you Sharon, you will be missed.
Lois
Diana Donovan
October 1, 2008
Daria and Ali,
I am so sorry for your great loss. Sharon was an amazing woman, an exceptional professional and colleague, and a friend. She was not only a tribute to her profession, but a person with a very large heart. I will miss her greatly.
Judy Bell
October 1, 2008
It was my great, good pleasure to know Sharon as a facilitator of several workshops I attended. She was a bright light in this world. How sad that she is gone from us so soon. My sympathies to her family and friends.
Yaviri Grosso-Escalera
October 1, 2008
Although I did not know Sharon very well, I had an opportunity to meet her at a meeting she recently facilitated. I was impressed by her passion, charisma and energetic spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kim Greene
October 1, 2008
It was an honor to have known Sharon and to have served on the Board of the Women's Fund of RI with her. She was one of those rare people who truly made the world a better place by her actions. Deepest sympathy to Daria and Alex and the rest of Sharon's family. We are with you in this sad time.
Michele Passarelli
October 1, 2008
Daria and Ali:
So sorry to hear of your sudden loss.
Fondly,
Michele
Elkinsette Clinton
October 1, 2008
I am so sad to have heard about Sharon's passing. She was very instrumental in getting Providence Summerbridge to think about its future beyond the here and now. What a sweet woman. She will be missed. My prayers are with the family at this time.
Christine Andrade
October 1, 2008
I am a friend one of of Ms. Chancellor's nieces. I know that Ms. Chancellor had a positive influence on, and was well loved and respected by Jenn. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Chancellor just once. I enjoyed very much our brief encounter. She struck me as a kind yet strong and family-oriented woman. My deepest condolences go out to her family and all who were close to her. ~C Andrade Prov. RI.
Mary Craven
October 1, 2008
Sharon deeply touched my life though a workshop given at the Met Center in Providence on Diversity. My son had recently revealed to me that he was gay which was hard for me to process. Sharon was very loving and understanding as I tried to process my feelings around this revelation. The loss at the Met Center and to the people who have not been touched by Sharon's smile will be felt for many years. Although I did not know Sharon in a personal way I have a feeling that I have missed a great thing.
Dianne Spetelunas
October 1, 2008
To Sharon's family, I had the pleasure of meeting Sharon on various occasions at FM Global. I am the receptionist, she was a very nice lady. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Donna Rega
October 1, 2008
Daria - I'm saddened to learn of your partners death. Wishing you the comfort of friends, family and memories to help you through. I think of you often.
Kristine McCarthy
October 1, 2008
Daria and family I am very sorry for your loss. Sharon was a wonderful person, who will be missed dearly.
Ja'Nell Henry
October 1, 2008
I am blessed to have known and worked with Sharon. Her inner beauty,grace and professionalism have given me guidance. I am so sad for her passing but exalt in the fact that she has touched so many lives. We have all truely been blessed with her presence
Angela Bowman
October 1, 2008
Sharon was an inspiration, Every training that i attended left me with a new out look of the world around me. Thanks Sharon! She will be miss my prayers are with you and the family.
Annette Cerilli
October 1, 2008
My sincerest condolences to all of you. While I didn't know Sharon very well, I had the opportunity to witness her love of people and her magnestism during a recent training facilitation. May all the wonderful memories you all have shared replace the aching hole that is in your heart today.
Patti Celeste
October 1, 2008
Daria and Alex:
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Sharon's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patti Celeste
Gayle Gifford
October 1, 2008
Sharon was much admired among her colleagues in the consulting community ... such a loss. With sadness.
Linda Tuday
October 1, 2008
To Sharon's Family & Friends,
My heart aches knowing the pain you are feeling now. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you continue to grieve for the loss of such a special person and a one of a kind sister to Craig.
Jess Leyendecker
October 1, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss, Jen. The children and I are thinking and praying for you and your family.
We love you.
Simone Joyaux
October 1, 2008
My heart hurts for Sharon's family, all of us who are her dear friends, and for my community. Sharon would remind us to live life fully, to love well, and to care deeply. Peace, dear friend. Love, Simone
Jan Mariani
October 1, 2008
Sharon was so intelligent, funny, and passionate. She was a consummate professional and a genuinely warm human being. My deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
Lindagay Palazzo
October 1, 2008
To Sharon's family
My deepest sympathies on her passing. I met Sharon when she did training at DCYF-she was and is an extraordinary person whom I came to love and respect. She made such an impact on our lives with her personal stories and experiences. I "track" because of her. It was an honor and a blessing to know her.
Michelle Veras
October 1, 2008
Daria & Alex, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sharon was an amazing person who we are all blessed to have known. She will be deeply missed by us all.
christine Mitchell
October 1, 2008
I didn't know Sharon long, but the short time that I have know her she has helped me on a personal level as well as a professional level. She was a great person and has helped us at the Met a great deal. She was just with us to help us complete our Mission statement......you will be truley missed. my deepest sympathy to her family
Amy Gohring
October 1, 2008
Sharon had a gift of sharing her energy, ideas and experiences to help others. I enjoyed attending her classes and always walked away with another perspective. Her gift and presence will be sorely missed.
Mike Lapolla
October 1, 2008
As she no doubt did for countless professionals, Sharon launched my career 26 years ago during a recruiting trip she made to Boston University. To this day I continue to count her among my dearest professional friends and it is with great sadness that I read of her passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to all that are near and dear to her. She has left, and will continue to leave, her mark in many different and positive ways in our community and her efforts clearly live on.
Lynn Austin
October 1, 2008
Daria & Alex, words can't express how sorry I am for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sharon was a truly beautiful person and I am honored to have known her.
Diane D'Errico
October 1, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Sharon's family. What a loss to the community.
Wanda Schumann
October 1, 2008
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Sending love and prayers to the Chancellor family and to Sharon's friends and loved ones.
Maryellen Butke
October 1, 2008
Rhode Island lost a true champion with the passing of Sharon Chancellor. Sharon was so beloved to so many people here - and I valued her friendship, wisdom and humor. Most recently, Sharon helped us refine our mission, vision and values - leaving this legacy for our organization. Her death has saddened our entire community. Our hearts go our to Daria and Allie.
In loving
Dee Blake
October 1, 2008
Please know that there are a lot of people who hold you close in their thoughts and prayers. I am one of them and feel deeply for you and what you are going through.
Frances O'Neill-Cunha
October 1, 2008
Sharon was a truly extraordinary person, and her death leaves a tremendous void in the community and in the lives of so many who were fortunate enough to have known her. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Daria, Alex and all of Sharon's family.
With deepest sympathy from Fran and Johnny.
Marcia Coné
October 1, 2008
The Women's Fund and the State of Rhode Island lost an advocate and a
champion for women in the untimely passing of Sharon Chancellor. We are grateful to have known her and to haved worked side by side with her. Sharon's leadership, enthusiasm and effervescent life are her legacy.
Alfred Reid and DJ Walter
October 1, 2008
Jen our thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Our hearts, prayers and energy are with you. Love ya bunches, DJ and Al
jodi glass
October 1, 2008
it is with great sadness, respect and humility that i write to honor all that sharon was and will be-
how blessed i feel that she touched my life-
all of her family are in my thoughts and prayers-
most sincerely-
jodi & family
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