Charlotte Sharp, 86: Former West Hartford Resident Loved Children and Teaching

Charlotte Jane Sharp, 86, of Parsonsfield, Maine passed away in the comfort of her own home on April 8, 2015.

Charlotte was born July 5, 1928, in Windsor, Connecticut to Howard and Ada Sharp. She moved to West Hartford, Connecticut at an early age, attended local schools there, and eventually received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Boston University School of Education. She completed further graduate studies at the University of Connecticut.

Charlotte loved children and literature, and taught all grades from first grade through graduate school. At various times, she was classroom teacher, reading teacher, reading consultant, and then Director of Reading in Farmington, Connecticut. She supervised graduate reading clinics at both the University of Hartford and Trinity College. She also initiated secondary reading programs in the Bloomfield and Fairfield Schools.

In retirement, Charlotte moved to Parsonsfield, Maine where she helped to reopen the Parsonsfield Library and became its librarian. She also became a member of the Saco River Festival Association and enjoyed their many concerts.

Charlotte maintained her life-long membership in First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford, Connecticut; but, in retirement, often attended the Riverside United Methodist Church in Kezar Falls and, during the summers, the Ocean Park Temple .

She was a life member of NERA and NEA. She served on the Board of the Connecticut Reading Council and the Board of the New England Reading Association and chaired each of their conferences. She was an active member in Connecticut and later in Maine of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society for women educators.

Charlotte is survived by her friend, companion, and roommate, Janet Wade, her Godchild, Leslie Buxton, of Stamford, CT and many friends. A service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at Riverside United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Burial will be held in West Hartford the following day at the Fairview Cemetery at 12:30 PM.

Her friends would like to thank Sandra Mills and her Angels who were outstanding caregivers and helped make it possible for Charlotte to stay at home and be comfortable and peaceful during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Rt One, Scarborough, ME 04074; to the Carolyn Barstow Memorial Library Fund, Ocean Park, ME 04063; or to First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main St. West Hartford, CT 06107.

To leave condolences, visit the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home here.