Obituary: Sharon Chandler Stiassny Scudder
September 12, 1955 - June 2, 2026
Our beloved Bubbe, Sharon Scudder, died from a rare form of cancer: Cholangiocarcinoma. She is survived by her loving husband, Jon Kenyon Scudder, beloved sons and their wives, Aaron Yoel Stiassny (Julie-Pierre Leclerc), Ari Benjamin Stiassny (Melanee Raney-Stiassny), and Elliot Noah Stiassny (Amy Kirkham), stepdaughter, Tara Scudder, and mother-in-law, Kathryn Scudder. Moreover, she leaves her beloved grandchildren, Mia, Col Dov, Taz, Pierre-Samuel (Sammy), Julien, twins Josette and Charlie, Jacob, and Dana. She also leaves her first husband, Lloyd, and his family and wonderful sisters-in-law, Vivian Stiassny and Ginny Efronson, and their families.
Sharon graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree and the University of Alaska-Anchorage with a Master of Social Work. She strived to improve healthcare access with women early in her career (New Haven, CT), developed sustainable pre-kindergarten programs in Western Alaska, was a founding member of SAFE Women’s Shelter (Dillingham, AK), and developed a hospice with partners in Homer, AK. She fought tirelessly for Donor families with Life Alaska Donor Services and, for many years, managed the Alaska Medicare Quality Innovation Network-QIO, along with Mtn. Pacific Quality Health Foundation teams of territories. Recently, she was a valued member of the Sisters of Providence in partnership with the Providence Alaska Medical Center Team, working with vulnerable seniors at Providence facilities in Alaska. She was particularly fond of her Hospice community work with Frontier Hospice, Enhabit, and, most recently, Providence Alaska Hospice.
Sharon stated prior to her death that her life’s work was maintaining a balance with her family and work. She strove to improve people's lives through social justice and community economic development projects. She was most proud of her sons, whom she raised to be kind, vibrant, loving, and helpful to all. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, many childhood, college, and dear Alaskan friends. She recognizes her dear husband, who always looked out for her with his uncanny ability to forecast her needs and his get-ready attitude, and she cherished her dear friends Penny, Toni, Bev, Harriet, Neil, Ilona, Michael, and cousins Kay and Lisa, who all kept her upbeat and busy creating, crafting, and providing wonderful presence and care.
Funeral services and burial were held on June 4, 2026. Donations in her honor can be made to Hospice of Anchorage or Temple Beth Shalom.