Sharon A. Smalley
Sharon A. Smalley, a short-order cook in dining services, died Nov. 6, 2008, at Albany Medical Center, following a brief illness. She was 60.
Born Jan. 12, 1948, in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of Gertrude Parkhurst and the late Frank Brownell, and the stepdaughter of Irvin Collins.
For 25 years Sharon owned and operated Sharon Dry Cleaners in Saratoga Springs with her husband, the late Jim Smalley. The business was one of her proudest accomplishments, second to being a loving and caring grandmother.
After joining Skidmore in 2001, she served as a short-order cook and customer attendant, working in the dining hall, the Spa snack shop, and the Burgess Café, often alongside student employees. Evan Bates ’09 worked with her for three years and recalled, “She was very kind to me and a pleasure to work with. She will be missed by me and my fellow students, her co-workers, and the entire campus community.”
Cheryl Gosnell, a colleague in dining services, said that Sharon especially enjoyed the Burgess Café location, “where she could be one-on-one with students.” Cheryl added, “She was a team player and always there for her co-workers. She was always willing to pitch in.” She and Sharon often took breaks together and enjoyed the chance to relax and catch up on news. “I heard many stories about her grandchildren—she always shared pictures of them,” said Cheryl.
In addition to her father and husband, Sharon was predeceased by daughter Patricia Ann Smalley. Survivors include daughter Stacie (Brian) Dayton of Virginia Beach, Va., and son James (Carrie) Smalley of Clifton Park, N.Y., along with several grandchildren, and by sister Sandra (Russell) Miller of Ballston Spa and many nieces and nephews.