Sharon A. Mitchell

Potsdam- Mrs. Sharon A. (Foster) Mitchell, 72, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday April 17, 2018 at UVMC in Burlington with her family at her side. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Sharon was born in Potsdam on February 14, 1946 to Ceylon and Nellie (Wilmot) Foster and graduated from Potsdam High School.

She married Maurice L. Shorette on January 29, 1992 in Alburg, Vermont. Maurice passed away on May 12, 1998. She then married Stanley F. Davis on May 25, 2005 at their home in Winthrop. He predeceased her on January 23, 2008.

Sharon met Lawrence Mitchell with whom she found love and friendship; they were married on December 8, 2012.

For many years Sharon cared for many children in the community, as well as raising her own. She also worked as a mail carrier in Potsdam; a position she was very proud of and where the slippery winter roads never intimidated her.

Sharon embraced the role of caretaker to its fullest; putting forth her best efforts to always be present to her family and friends. She truly loved her family always having the best intentions for them; especially her children and grandchildren.

There was a liveliness about Sharon that was like no other. The more she embarrassed you, the more she loved you. She loved to laugh, listen to music, tell stories, and entertain. Sharon was a member of the “Clown Club” and excelled at her role of “Happy the Clown”.  Sharon was able to show her strength during her battles with breast cancer.

It would be safe to say if you were out on an excursion and couldn’t find Sharon, you could find her shopping. At one time she also named herself the “QVC Queen”.

Her beautiful, energetic, and caring presence will be missed by her family who love and survive her; husband, Lawrence; mother, Nellie Foster; 2 daughters and a son-in-law: Donna Johnson and Jamie and Eric LaBrake, 2 sons and a daughter-in-law: Leon and Crystal Shorette, and Israel Quitcon; step-children: Sandra and Daniel Williams, Tamara and Brent Bedard, Larry and Amy Mitchell, and Edward and Victoria Mitchell; son in law, Alan Downey; her cherished grandchildren: Eric Jr., Nathaniel, Evan, and Jeremiah LaBrake, Siana, Jase, and Reese Shorette, Tyler Jock, Ayden LaBaff, Daniel and Matthew Williams, Nicole Ostertag, Kyle, Eric, and Ryan Bedard, Rebecca and Jessica Mitchell, Marissa and Nicolas Mitchell; and several great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include her siblings: Ceylon and Muriel Foster Jr., Leo and Susan Foster, Randy Foster and Rita Barber, Shirley Colbert, Wayne and Bryn Foster, Steven and Linda Foster, Gary and Crystal Foster, Kerry and Kathy Foster, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She endured unimaginable loss in her life; losing her daughter Amber L. (Johnson) Downey just three weeks ago. Sharon was also predeceased by: her father, Ceylon Foster; brother, Joseph Foster; sister, Charlene Foster; and her grandson Corey Jock.

Visitation will be Monday April 23rd from 4 – 7 pm. Sharon’s Funeral Service and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday April 24th at 11:00 am at Church of the Holy Cross in Hopkinton with Fr. Alfred Fish officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Brasher Falls.

For those wishing to express and act of kindness, memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s honor to the American Cancer Society, or to the family to set up a scholarship fund for Sharon’s grandchildren.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.