Sharon Louise Neri

Schenectady – Ms. Sharon Louise Neri, age 61, passed away on Wednesday April 22, 2026. Her last moments of life were spent with the love and comfort of her family and caregivers by her side.

Sharon was born in Rotterdam, NY on August 31, 1964. She was the second child born to the late Paul Bruno Neri and Louise Ellen (Gendron) Neri.

Sharon was born with Down syndrome, a condition that leaves you with physical and mental disabilities. Instead of focusing on her disabilities, her parents lovingly raised her with encouragement to reach her full potential in everything she did. She thrived as a result and lived a full and wonderful life. Sharon was filled with joy. She truly enjoyed the time she spent with family, friends, and neighbors.

As part of her mother’s advocacy work for the disabled, Sharon benefited from participating in many “firsts” in the advancements of schooling, mainstreaming, daytime workshops, and extra-curricular activities that were created for those like Sharon. Sharon especially loved bowling (for which she received many trophies), dancing, arts and craft activities, attending mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church, and singing in holiday concerts.

It is easy to view Sharon’s condition as something that simply deprived her of the opportunity to attain certain accomplishments in life. However, her condition similarly deprived her of the most despicable of human qualities. She was incapable of feeling envy, greed, hate, ill will, resentment, and other horrible qualities a human can possess. Most of us live our lives trying to suppress that part of human nature, but inevitably fail. She was given the gift of living the way most of us wish to live. She was truly an angel here on earth.

Anyone spending time around Sharon couldn’t help but to be empathetic, compassionate, kind, and gentle. Her beautiful spirit brought that out in people. You can’t ask for more than that from a person.

Sharon’s family and friends will miss her joyfulness, her love of life, her humor, and mostly her unconditional love. We hope Sharon is soaring high, without any limitations, along with the angels up in heaven. We pray she watches over us and teaches and guides us to convey those positive virtues she possessed during her lifetime, so that we can live life like she did.

Sharon is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her sisters Jean (John) O’Donnell, Shelley (Chris) LaVallee, Lisa (Eddie) Nieves, her niece Nicki (Marc) O’Donnell, her nephews Calvin LaVallee, Cameron LaVallee, and Devin Nieves, and many cousins.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the Liberty ARC (Westfall House & Maple Ridge Day Program) that cared for Sharon on a daily basis for years. Much gratitude is also extended to The Community Hospice staff who provided greatly needed support.

A wake will be held at Saint Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303, on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 10-11am. A Catholic Mass will follow. Afterward, the burial will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery at 2501 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.