Obituary of Sharon Reen

Sharon A. Reen Mrs. Reen, 58, died after a courageous battle with cancer on Dec. 23, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital. Sharon was born on Aug. 10, 1953, in Michigan City, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late Bernard J. Komasinski and the late Gertrude J. (Markowski) Komasinski. She was the valedictorian of the Marquette High School class of 1971 in Michigan City, Indiana and went on to receive a B.S. and M.S. in Cell Biology from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 and 1977. It was there that she met her husband, soul mate and fellow ?Domer?, Bernie. The couple moved to Washington, D.C. where Sharon worked as a Biochemist with Georgetown University School of Medicine and then the National Institute of Health until the birth of their first son. She was the consummate mother and her life?s work was then dedicated to raising five sons. Her boundless energy was a gift she selflessly shared with all who were fortunate enough to call her friend. Besides her family and many friends, she was devoted to her musical studies and playing cello in the Queens University Orchestra. She also loved cycling, knitting and travelling. She considered herself so blessed to have visited the Shrine of Lourdes this year. Sharon is survived by her husband Dr. Bernard M. Reen III and sons Kevin, Brendan, Sean and Conor; brother, Michael L. Komasinski, O.D. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick and brother, Robert. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC with Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, celebrant and the Reverend Frank O?Rourke, concelebrant. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 28, 2011, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with prayer service at 8 p.m. at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service. The family would like to thank Drs. Geoffrey Chapman and Dennis Kokenes for their expertise and compassion. A special thanks to the Staff at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, Presbyterian Cancer Center and the Harris Hospice Unit. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Sharon?s name to the Lance Armstrong Cancer Foundation, 2201 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78702 or the charity of your choice.