Sharon Ann Stoffel Chalmers - Obituary

Things are always better in the morning.” -Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird Sharon Ann Stoffel Chalmers died on October 26, 2021. She was 75 years old. She spent her life doing what she loved. Sharon grew up in Washington, DC and attended La Reine Catholic High School in Suitland, MD. After high school, she studied at Trinity College in DC. Her parents Catherine (Kitty) and Todd Stoffel were constant supporters of Sharon, and she learned from their loving example. They preceded her in death. Sharon is survived by her husband Walt Chalmers; brother-in-law Joe Chalmers; sister-in-Law Mary Fran Pierce and brother-in-law Jack; sister-in-law Theresa Parlier and brother-in-law Mark. Her cousins, niece, and many nephews, as well as their spouses and children, are all saddened by her loss but take comfort in the many happy memories of Sharon’s love and kindness. Sharon taught English literature for 12 years at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL before moving back to the DC area and teaching for 25 years at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, MD. She was committed to her students and their success, and she loved the literature she taught. She eagerly debated and discussed book lists - both theirs and hers - with her nephews and niece at family events as they progressed through school. One of her favorite novels to teach was To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a story about finding courage, helping others, and doing right regardless of circumstance - qualities that Sharon embodied for her whole life. For those who haven’t read it, Sharon will be holding office hours in Heaven. In 1964, after being set up on a blind date that she initially refused to attend, she met and quickly fell in love with Walt Chalmers. Together, Walt and Sharon spent 52 years of marriage loving each other at every turn. When Walt picked up running to stay in shape, Sharon kept pace with him; when he started biking, she joined him on the road - they even embarked on several 5-day-long bike trips. As time progressed, she fell in love with those activities as well. She raced in many 10Ks and completed a half marathon. When Parkinson’s made those physical activities challenging, Walt took her to her support group meetings and her boxing classes, where Sharon was always ready to help others also struggling with Parkinson’s. In Sharon, Walt not only found his wife, he found his best friend, running partner, biking companion, hiking buddy, constant pillar of support, and true love. The words of Jimmy Buffett, one of their favorite musicians, in his song “Come Monday” summarize Walt and Sharon beautifully: I hope you’re enjoying the scenery I know that it's pretty up there We can go hiking on Tuesday With you I'd walk anywhere… I just can't wait to see you again. Relatives and friends are invited to Sharon's Memorial Gathering from 9:15 a.m until the start of the Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Ave., Clinton, MD. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Empower Motivation Fitness, LLC. (205 Ridgely Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401 443-994-1251). Empower was founded by Sharon’s Physical Therapist from Rock Steady Boxing, an exercise program for people with Parkinson’s Disease, to help raise funds to support the PD Community.