Sharon Caminneci

SHARON LAUREL CAMINNECI

Cedar Rapids

Sharon Laurel Caminneci, 58, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Teaneck, N.J., and Ridgefield Park, N.J., died Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. A memorial for Sharon will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at the top floor of Legion Arts (1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids) in the CSPS Building. Please contact Melissa Caminneci at Melissa.y.c@gmail.com to RSVP or to leave a fond memory to be shared at the memorial.

Survivors include her children, Melissa Caminneci, (29), and Vincent Caminneci, (13).

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Caminneci, (1958-2009).

Sharon was born in Natick, Mass., to Lionel and Mitzie Bernson, on Nov. 7, 1958. She grew up in Teaneck with three brothers and two sisters. As an adolescent and young adult, Sharon was a professionally trained opera singer (coloratura soprano) and Meisner-trained actress. Some of her favorite works included "The Pirates of Penzance," "Hamlet" and everything by George Bernard Shaw.

Sharon and her husband, John, raised their daughter Melissa in Teaneck and Ridgefield Park. Sharon employed her love of literature and theater every night, when she would read to Melissa books by E. Nesbit, Roald Dahl, Madeline L'Engle and many more. Sharon would use a myriad of voices and always take an opportunity to sing a song. Melissa went on to attend Harvard University on a full scholarship in large part thanks to Sharon's inspirational and magical parenting.

As Melissa grew up, Sharon worked as a bookseller at Womrath's Books in Hackensack, N.J., and as a director at A-Z Child Development Center. On vacations, she enjoyed spending time with her retired parents, children and the ocean in Kailua, Hawaii.

Shortly after a big family move to Iowa, Sharon lost her husband of 25 years, John. In Iowa, her efforts were dedicated to raising her son, Vincent, and being an active participant in local and national politics. On Facebook, she created groups including Madam President, a group with almost 8,000 members, to discuss political events. In Iowa, she canvassed regularly with her son for the Hillary Clinton and Monica Vernon campaigns. She served as a caucus precinct leader and met politicians, including Madeline Albright, Cory Booker and Tim Kaine. She inspired her young son to pursue a career in politics as part of her ongoing legacy.

Sharon's daughter Melissa is now serving as Vincent's guardian. Anyone wishing to assist Sharon's children in their new adventure can see more of their story and donate at www.gofundme.com/formelissaandvinny.

Sharon would also encourage donations to a reputable wildlife and conservation society or to the Iowa Democrats.