Sharon Ann Vernon

Sharon Ann Vernon, 64, of Willimantic passed peacefully on Jan 5th 2014 after a battle with Breast Cancer. Sharon was born January 2, 1950 daughter to Marguerite (Young) Johnston-Jaros of Willimantic and the late Edward Johnston. She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Rosenthal, formerly of New Britain and her daughters; Laurie (Vernon) Lamot and her husband Brian of Willimantic, Leslie (Vernon) Eldredge of Chaplin, her son Luis Benitez, of Willimantic, her stepchildren; David Rosenthal, Kerrie Ferone, and Dena Rosenthal, her sister Janice Fallucco, her brothers; Edward S Johnston and his wife Deborah and Steve Johnston, her grandchildren and great-grandchild (Smiley Miley) and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia Harrison. Sharon was a lifetime resident of Willimantic. She went to SMSJ school, Windham High School and ECSU of Willimantic, studying Early Childhood Education. She worked at Keelor Hall as an Interns / teachers- aide for many years. She also taught Adult Education at ALDC. Sharon later went on to be the Administrative Asst. for the Town of Windham, Social Service Dept. , and lastly retired from the Town of Windham as the Administrative Asst. to the Economic Development Dept. During retirement she assisted with grants to better the community through the Town's drug free communities grant. Sharon had that niche to coordinate everything from her outfit to the decor around her. Her interests were, interior decorating, themed parties especially annual Luau, watercolor painting, Oriental dAC.cor, the beach, traveling, music & karaoke, UConn Girls Basketball, Red Hat Society, Cosmos, and especially spending time with family & friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Eastern CT, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Center, CT 06250 A celebration of life will be held on Jan 25th 2014 at the Willimantic Elks Lodge 198 Pleasant St. Willimantic following a service at 10:30 Saint Joseph Church in Willimantic 99 Jackson St Willimantic CT. The Potter Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book. -- --