Sharon Baas Kenney, age 80, peacefully passed away at home on July 21, 2020 with her family by her side. She will be greatly missed by friends and family, including surviving children, Sean Kenney (& Paulette Racine), Courtney Kenney (& Colette Demeusy), her beloved grandchildren, Caitlyn, Jack, and Charlotte, her sisters Claire (Wendell) Kessler and Carol Baas (& Jim Clark), her sisters-in-law Arey Baas and Ruth Baas, her former husband Bill Kenney, her long-time partner Joe Grassia, and many nieces and nephews.
Sharon had a passionate love of the arts, sports, politics, food and family that were embraced in her youth and extended throughout her life. During her years at Bexley High School (‘57) in Ohio, Sharon’s participation with her barbershop quartet, The Melodettes, instilled a love of singing that continued beyond college when she joined the nationwide group, Sweet Adelines. She was an avid fan of musicals like Meet Me in St Louis, Hello Dolly, Evita, and most recently, Hamilton, and was well known for enthusiastically singing throughout the day, with or without accompaniment or encouragement.
After graduating from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Education, Sharon taught at Beck Street School in Columbus and at The Hague in the Netherlands. Once married, she and her young family lived in the UK and spent time traveling through Europe and abroad, eventually settling on Cape Cod to raise their family. Sharon worked at schools in Dennis and Cambridge, MA, teaching and creating educational and cultural programs for children and seniors in the community. She was well known for integrating her art into all of her lessons, promotional materials, programs, and activities, as well as for her deep commitment to the well-being and education of the children.
Sharon’s fondness for oysters was legendary, and her appreciation for good food and drink was passed down to her kids and her grandkids. Discussions about delicious meals and complimentary flavors was commonplace at every family gathering. Sharon could always hold up her end of a conversation – and frequently part of your end. Her favorite topics aligned with her interests and her stream-of-consciousness style was delivered with vigor and humor. Sharon had an inimitable sense of style that incorporated a wonderful collection of hats, jewelry, and clothes into a look all her own. When age forced an aid to help steady her gait, she refused the standard cane in favor of a tall, natural wood walking staff that always drew compliments.
When her kids were off in college, Sharon earned a master’s degree in Fine Arts from Lesley University and exuberantly shared her love of art through family trips to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. With a fervor for feminism and politics, Sharon took her first steps into civic life by volunteering for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1960. Never one to sit idly by, Sharon could still be seen in her 70’s making calls and putting up yard signs to support Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in NH. Her one regret was that she passed away before she could celebrate the end of Donald Trump’s presidency, but we know that she is resting peacefully now.
We will greatly miss Sharon’s indomitable spirit for life, her unending commitment and encouragement to keep learning, and her unwavering determination to continue forward despite any obstacle.
A private memorial service will be held in late September when she will be laid to rest at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Dennis, MA.
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