Sharon Ann Sanclementi (or SAS to many of her Eden friends) has never met a stranger. Every time she meets someone new, she walks up, shakes their hand, and asks for their name as she introduces herself.
“She is a very social, loving person. She will give you hugs all the time,” said Manager of Residential Services Tamica Domino.
Sharon has been with Eden for nearly 40 years, joining when she was in her early 20s. She lives at Farley House, where she loves spending time with her housemates and staff. “She is kind of like the mom of the house, asking about everyone,” said Tamica. “She also loves to have a good time, dress up, dance, and sing karaoke.”
From the Beatles and Tony Benet to Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Whitney Houston, and anyone in between, Sharon lights up when she hears her favorite music. This love of music was passed down by her parents.
“Our mom and dad were really instrumental,” said Nan, Sharon’s younger sister. “They loved music and were elegant dancers. Sharon would spend hours and hours listening to her favorite records. Music and singing have always been her happy place.”
Nan describes her sister as “pure liquid love” and a true child of the ‘60s and ’70s. In addition to her love for music, Sharon also loves learning about famous people from her childhood, from actresses to news broadcasters. She is an encyclopedia of celebrity facts and news. Her fantastic memory extends outside of pop culture, remembering people’s birthdays, important dates, and information about her family, Eden staff, and peers. “The amount of information in Sharon’s brain could put a Google search to shame,” said Nan.
At 64, Sharon hasn’t slowed down. She spends her days volunteering at Meals on Wheels and Bridge Church. This year, she will join a Special Olympics Bowling Team, her first time competing in the sport. She previously did cross-country skiing, and she has several gold medals to show for it.
Knowing that Sharon has been cared for and loved by Eden staff for decades is reassuring for Nan, who now lives in a different state. “They have her best interest at heart,” said Nan. “I awake every morning and go to sleep each night thanking above for Eden and everyone there. I don’t know where we would be without them. I don’t know where Sharon would be. It has given her a life. The connections she has, the activities she has, and people that are part of her life, it’s invaluable.”