Sharon Marie "Sheena" Meskowitz

Meskowitz, Sharon Marie "Sheena"

Sharon Meskowitz passed away unexpectedly and returned to the Lord on May 23rd, 2016 in Miami, Florida. Her long-time friend Monique Traad was by her side at the end. Sharon was born on July 30th, 1955 in Johnson City, N.Y. She was predeceased by her mother Kathleen (Ruffell) Meskowitz and leaves behind a loving family: her father Richard F. Meskowitz, a sister and brother in law Victoria A. and William Kenville, a brother and sister in law Richard Jr. and Lillian Meskowitz, several special nieces and nephews; Rachel Meskowitz Starks (Russell), Rebecca and Micah Meskowitz (Richard Jr.), Shane Kenville Johnson (Emily), Faith Kenville, and one great niece; Morgan (daughter of Shane and Emily). She was a very special niece and cousin to the McKercher family and was always grateful for their willingness to help at a moment's notice. Special thanks to Uncle Gene, whom predeceased her, and Aunt Gerry along with her loving cousins Denise, Denny, Larry, Tommy, their families and the late Lenny McKercher. She also leaves behind many loving family members; Aunt Harriet and Uncle Stan Raczkowski and their son Ray, Aunt Helen Ruffell and her son Brian, cousins Johnny and David Carr and all of their families. Sharon was a proud graduate of the Catholic Central High School class of 1974 where she made many life-long friends; especially Robin Nemia Gregory, Maria Muscatello, Mary Joe Murphy, Debbie Fendick Raimondi, and Linda Ravas Carney. Sharon spent the last 25 years of her life in Miami where she went to participate in the Miami Project for the Cure of Paralysis. Along the way she earned a degree in Art History and spent many years as a counselor at the Miami Project. She made many new and lasting friends in Miami, especially; Monique Traad, Tatiana Ribeiro, Trish and their families, Cher Masselle and her sister Karen. Their help, support, and friendship meant the world to Sharon. She truly had a second family of friends in Miami. For those who did not know our sister, you missed out on the privilege of knowing a most extraordinary person. She was the epitome of courage, strength, guts, determination, moxie and pure grit. When she was rendered paralyzed from the neck down in February of 1975 she told us that when she was in the hospital she had the choice to let life slip from her grasp or fight and live, and live she did. In doing so she overcame insurmountable odds, out living most quads by decades. She was truly a real life super hero. Sharon was an accomplished artist who had many showings in Miami - she loved to paint and create. She also loved to dance and went on many adventures in her lifetime - from swimming with dolphins in Miami, skiing the mountains of Colorado, to meeting Tom Selleck in Hawaii. She was an avid participant in Shake-a-Leg in Miami where she learned to sail free on the ocean. Sharon had a loving heart and a kind soul. She prevailed with an unbroken spirit even though she had lost so very much. In the end, she gained so much more and so did her family. We can all learn a thing or two about what's most important in life from Sharon. She loved to have fun, enjoyed being with friends and family, and maybe have a glass of wine (or two). She was one of a kind to her family and friends and we will forever hold her close in our hearts. Special thanks to her primary caregivers over the years; Dr. Barth Green, Dr. Fertel, Dr. Julia Miller, and all of her devoted aides, especially Patricia. Thank you for looking after our Sharon! A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent DePaul/Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Rd., On Saturday, May 28th at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the McDevitt & McManus Funeral Home, LLC. 88-90 Front Street on Friday from 4-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Miami Project, to cure Paralysis, Director of Annual Giving, PO Box 016960, Miami, FL, 33101.