Remembering Sharon
Our Thoughts of Sharon Mills
July 11, 2009
Today our hearts are heavy with the loss of one of our most treasured chorus members, Sharon Mills. Sharon has been with Newfound Sound and our parent international organization, Harmony Incorporated, for nearly 20 years.
In addition to her role as chorus lead member, Sharon sang for many years with the quartet Avalon Blend and was a current member of the quartet Selkie. Sharon was chapter liaison, the person who would answer a question or find the right information for any member who had a concern. She often added that "sober second thought" to a group discussion. Sharon was our "sunshine lady" and in this capacity sent out cards and messages on behalf of the chapter to its members for birthdays and other occasions. She was a newsletter reporter, gathering stories and working with our editor, ensuring our bulletins had lots of personal news about each others’ lives for all to share.
The most endearing gifts Sharon gave to the chorus were her bright face and beautiful voice. No one could emote the feeling and colour of the song the way Sharon did. Her voice was a gift that she willingly shared with her fellow performers and her audiences. Sharon always took special care to welcome new members, to give them a helping hand, and give them a card to acknowledge their first contest. In the words of one of our members, "She took me under her wing in my first year, like so many newbies, and gave me encouragement and confidence. She was indeed the sunshine lady whose warmth radiated in her beautiful face and voice as well as in her thoughtful deeds".
Newfound Sound will miss Sharon’s bright, beautiful face on the risers, her rich, comforting voice, and her generous hugs. But Sharon will be there with our chorus forever. She'll be on board the bus going "around the bay" to sing for seniors at Christmas. She'll be sitting with us at rehearsals like she did - jotting notes in her little notebook. She'll be with us on the international competition stage in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 14th. Just as we pledge in our Harmony Creed, the harmony is "from our hearts as well as voices", and Sharon Mills will be the Heart of Newfound Sound forever!
With All Our Love,
Newfound Sound
(Written by Anna Tapper)