Sharon Seldes Kessler

This week, the world lost the talented and remarkable educator and lifelong learner, Sharon Anne Kessler. Sharon was born in Richmond, Virginia on October 14, 1942, the fourth child of Dr. Aaron and Fanny. Sharon earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Richmond Professional Institute. She met Melvin Kessler, who was a dental student at MCV and they married on August 21, 1965 and were husband and wife for nearly 57 years. For the past 53 years, they lived in Miami, Florida where they raised their children Alan (wife Catherine) and Gwynn (partner Tamara) whose academic achievements gave her much nachas. As Mel’s dental practice grew, Sharon was instrumental in its success. Over the years, she was an active member of many synagogues including Bet Shira, Beit Breira, Shoresh Hadash, Beth Or, and Havurah of South Florida and a lifelong engaged student of Judaism. She led countless creative celebrations of Shabbat and Jewish holidays in her own home. With wisdom and compassion, she counseled and supported many friends through life transitions. She enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband. Most of all she took pleasure in her grandchildren: Eric, Alison, Toby and Kliel. Sharon was a generous philanthropist who loved and supported multiple museums and supported South Florida arts through Fifty Over Fifty. She was a passionate collector of art, judaica, jewelry, and especially of books that fed her endless thirst for knowledge. She had a keen eye, a fierce independence of spirit and an appreciation for creativity which she reflected through her signature style and iconoclastic approach to life. Donations can be given to Moving Traditions (movingtraditions.org). Online shiva will be held Sunday, 7/10/22, 7:30 pm, Call for details.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Lakesidempfuneralhome.com for the Kessler family.