Sharon A. Kaiser

Sharon A. Kaiser, 82, of Bethel, Maine, and Sarasota, Florida, passed away on September 30, 2026, with her family in Sarasota. She died of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), after successfully managing her disease for six years.

 Sharon was born in in Rumford, Maine, to Dorothy Wilson York and Garey York. She grew up in Bethel with her brother, David, and sister, Barbara Jean.

 Sharon met her husband, Peter Kaiser, while in nursing school in Keene, New Hampshire. Fellow students dragged her away from her studies to a party in a hayloft, where she met Peter. He told her he would call. He didn’t. Three months later, he appeared at her door just as she was leaving for the movies on a blind date. “I told you I’d call,” he said. “You didn’t,” she replied, “and I have a date.” Peter explained that it was hunting season, then followed her and her date to the movie theater. Needless to say, their love grew, and they shared a life as partners in every way and as best friends.

 Many people struggle to find their purpose, but Sharon knew hers from an early age: she wanted to help others. She became a pediatric nurse, served in the Army, and later used that experience as administrator of Cedarcrest Center https://cedarcrestcenter.org/about/our-history/, a home for children with disabilities. Alongside Peter, Sharon dedicated her life to helping children learn and grow in a safe, warm environment filled with love and light. After retiring from Cedarcrest, she joined New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services, supporting statewide efforts on behalf of the state’s youth. From administering flu vaccines to writing grants for child healthcare initiatives, she worked tirelessly to ensure future generations had the support they needed. 

Sharon had a strong artistic streak that showed in her love of crafts. Fearless about trying new techniques, she made felted bags, knitted sweaters, sewn bowl cozies, and, her largest projects, quilts. She loved learning, and crafting gave her endless room to experiment and be creative. Sharon also loved game nights with friends where she battled for points in bridge and cribbage. 

Sharon is survived by her son, Jeffrey Kaiser, and his wife, Kimberly; her daughter, Kara Cole, and her husband, Alistair; her grandchildren, Heather Hutchins, Cameron Cole, and Christopher Welch; and her great-granddaughters, Mia and Emma Welch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, in 2022. 

Sharon wanted a celebration of life where people could laugh, tell stories, enjoy a barbecue, and simply have a good time. In keeping with her wishes, Kara and Jeff will host a BBQ in Bethel around June 25, 2027, which would have been Sharon and Peter’s 61st wedding anniversary. More details will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cedarcrest Center, which meant so much to both Sharon and Peter.

 “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” —Mahatma Gandhi