Sharon S. Borchardt (nee Crawford), 72, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 in Middlebury, Vermont. She is survived by her soulmate and husband of 52 years, Dennis Borchardt, her twin daughters, Lisa Peluso (Mickey) and Kim Taylor, her sister Pamela Gibson, grandchildren Owen and Sloane.

Sharon (“Shasha”) was a longtime Randolph resident and English, Art and Drama teacher at Randolph Union High School. After retirement, she and Dennis shared time between Leicester, VT and Englewood, FL. She moved through many circles and immersed herself in community: school, church, drama, Randolph, Cabot, the lake, and Florida. She donated her heart, her time and energy throughout her life, from fostering children, nurturing students, fundraising for the homeless coalition, and supporting those with greatest need.

Loving the most unlovable of us, and even the most unlovable parts of us, Sharon found value in everyone and made sure to reflect it back to them. She was a rescuer of the lost and despondent who were struggling to understand their worth. She pointed out their beauty and celebrated it. With Shasha, you felt like the most important person in the world. You felt heard and understood. Sharon’s passion was advocating for kids, especially those that faced challenges. She cared deeply about her students, lavished care, understanding and encouragement. She was sensitive, fiery and fiercely protective of the oppressed. She did not suffer bullies kindly.

Sharon was a brilliant mind, with lightening quick wit, boundless creativity and curiosity. She urged her students, and indeed all those who knew her, to question and explore everything and be open to learning always. She asked us to open our minds and our hearts and to contemplate and listen to others. She urged us to listen with intent; not with the aim to respond, but to understand. She taught Chaucer, Shakespeare, writing, painting and acting. More importantly, she taught us tolerance, inclusiveness, and forgiveness.

Shasha celebrated all things simple, complex, silly and expressive - from puns and poetry, to art, storytelling, and music.   Time with her led to laughing with your head thrown back and your eyes hot with tears, until your belly hurt. It also meant digging deep, unfolding your vulnerable core to the Creator, crying at things sad and at things beautiful, in equal measure.

We celebrated her life Sunday afternoon, August 27th at the Leicester Town Hall, where friends and family gathered with food, drink, balloons and music – just as she had requested. We are grateful for our time with her as wife, mother, teacher, advocate, writer, artist, and friend.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the RUHS Theatre Program, 15 Forest Street, Randolph, VT  05060.  The Borchardt Fund will support students who would not otherwise have the resources to attend the yearly NYC theater trip.

Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com. Arrangements were kindly made by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.