Sharon also traveled with family on long car trips from Massachusetts to Texas to visit her much-loved grandparents in Waco and San Antonio. For many years, well into her 30s, Sharon visited her beloved maternal grandmother, Bessie Chodorow, with whom she felt a special connection, attending annual birthday parties for Bessie up until her death in 2003 at age 103.  

Sharon attended  Wesleyan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Psychology, and Philosophy in 1986. She undertook some of the hardest and most rewarding work helping troubled children at Blueberry. Sharon obtained her Master of Science degree from New York University in Psychology and completed clinical training at the Ackerman Institute for Family.  Her career as a Social Worker was not simply a profession, but a true calling.  Sharon was integral in advocating for others, offering compassion, guidance, and unwavering support to those in need.  Her dedication to helping people navigate life’s challenges in our community and with the underprivileged in NYC  was the work of her heart and reflected her deep empathy and strength of character.  She profoundly touched the lives of those around her with her unending curiosity and understanding. Our sense of loss is reflected in the widespread grief others have expressed in the community.  

For several years, Sharon lived in Brooklyn, NY, near Prospect Park. At a friend’s backyard party, she met Sam Koszer, and the connection was instant.  They were married on September 7, 1997, and eventually moved to Red Hook, NY, where they started their family. Sharon was devoted to her husband Sam, supporting him in his growing practice as a neurologist, and she was a deeply involved mother to her two boys, nurturing and supporting Josh and Bryan in their development, interests, and activities, be it Boy Scouts, weight lifting, family trips to the Jersey Shore, or becoming teenage internet entrepreneurs and influencers. Sharon was immensely proud of both of her boys and their individual characters and achievements. Sharon was also profoundly committed to her Jewish religion, to education, and to her community. She had an incredible gift for connecting with diverse individuals and groups in her community.  

Sharon was an extraordinary gardener. She built multiple gardens, which included plentiful vegetables and also exploded with color as she planfully included flowers that would bloom at different times and complement each other. Walking through her gardens was a spiritual experience, as you were surrounded by beauty and a feeling of serenity and healing. Sharon had a separate “memorial” garden, where she recently planted Artemisia in remembrance of her beloved mother, Greta Chodorow Kost, who predeceased her by only four months. 

Very recently, Sharon had discovered a love for painting, and she would pour color and vibrant brushwork onto canvas to depict her experiences and emotions, providing a welcome outlet and leading to the creation of some spectacular images. Sharon shared her paintings and her beautiful flowers on Instagram, creating a smorgasbord of lovely photographs.  

Sharon connected online with other people who struggled with disabilities, including battles with a rare illness she developed later in life, and she both provided and garnered support in that way. She shared ultra-low-fat recipes and yummy pictures of the meals she prepared in this way as well.  

Sharon was a beautiful, smart, funny, fierce, loving, and generous person. Despite coping with difficulties from which she strove to protect others, she shared herself and her talents with everyone around her. Her presence, her perspective, her wise counsel, and the beauty she created around her will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. 

Sharon is survived by her beloved husband, Samuel Koszer, and sons, Joshua Koszer and Bryan Koszer. She also leaves behind her sisters Linda Kost (Wylie Willson) and Rhonda Kost (Alfred Spector), her niece Emily Spector, and her nephews Asher and Benjamin Spector. Her survivors also include her uncle Hilton Chodorow (Barbara)  and cousins Piera Chodorow Meil (Adam), Jordan Chodorow (Daniel), Alan Kost (Katherine Lu), Kathryn Kost (David McCormick), Susan Scherr (Mattie), Penny Scherr Rummell, Martin Chodorow (Mamie Ito), Steven Chodorow (Rowena), and Davis Braslau.  She will also be fondly remembered by extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched through her work and kindness.

A prayer service will be held on Sunday, December 21st at 11 AM at Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571. The service will be live-streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25121912458338