Sharon Reichel

Sharon W. Reichel, 80, passed away Friday morning, August 8, 2025, in Silver Spring, MD, where she spent her last decade of life, close to her children and grandchildren. She was devoted to her family, a passionate educator, and a lifelong singer who built communities of meaning and music in each of the places she called home over the years.

Born in Kinston, NC, on Feb. 16, 1945, Sharon was the eldest daughter of the late Rev. Martin Henry Werfelmann and Lois Elder Werfelmann. She grew up in the Lutheran church, and her faith guided her throughout her life. Over the years she was active in the congregations of Peace Lutheran in Danville, CA (where her father was pastor), Peace Lutheran in Oxford, MS (where her husband was pastor), Holy Trinity Lutheran in Rome, GA, and The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew in Silver Spring, MD.

In her father's congregation, she developed her love of singing in a choir early-a joy she nurtured and shared with many others. She sang in the Valparaiso Chapel Choir as a collegian and adult community choruses throughout her life, including the Three Rivers Singers in Rome and Encore Chorale in Silver Spring. She led her church choirs in Georgia and Mississippi for decades and celebrated her 70th birthday with a performance on stage at Carnegie Hall in 2015.

Sharon graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, CA, and received her B. A. from Valparaiso University. She earned her Master's Degree in French Language from the University of Mississippi and her Ed.S. Degree from Berry College. She translated her gift for language into a calling as a teacher, instructing hundreds of students in French and other subjects at West Rome High School, Rome High School, and Rome Middle School. She also taught at Valparaiso University, Shorter College, Berry College, and tutored students individually in Oxford and Rome.

Sharon also served her communities by volunteering with and donating to organizations that worked to feed the hungry, including Meals on Wheels and local food pantries. Later in her life, Sharon became an avid swimmer, and over nearly 25 years in the pool, she could always tell you her year-to-date mileage in the water.

Throughout her life, Sharon dedicated herself to her family, providing unfailing support for their many activities and interests. She instilled her love for music, singing, and learning in each of

her children, sometimes referring to herself as "staff support" for her kids–making sure they were at countless concerts, games, clubs, practices, and performances throughout their school years. She continued to rejoice in their growth as adults, as anyone who received her annual Christmas letter (which often became an "Epiphany letter" due to publication delays) knew. Becoming a grandmother compounded her joy, and she was a frequent, willing, and loving caregiver whenever needed.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Rev. Dr. Charles Reichel. Survivors include her children and grandchildren: one son Carsten Reichel, and his wife, Sarah Zinn, Silver Spring, MD and their children Norah Reichel and Edward "Teddy" Reichel; two daughters, Cara Reichel, and her husband, Peter Mills, New York, NY, and Carlyn Reichel, Washington, D.C.; and one sister, Elaine Werfelmann, Danville, CA.

A memorial and celebration of her life will be planned this fall in Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions designated in Sharon's memory to organizations that she supported and that supported her, and which fed her communities both physically and musically: Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries (Rome, GA); Manna Food Center (Gaithersburg, MD); The Three Rivers Singers (Rome, GA); and the music ministry at the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew (Silver Spring, MD).