Obituary for Robin S Haffenreffer (Sharrillo)
Robin Haffenreffer, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 3, 2021 in Belmont, MA, after living with
Alzheimers for 12 years. Daughter of the late Irene and
Roland Sharrillo, Robin was born on November 6, 1952 in Norwich, Connecticut. Robin grew up in South Portland, Maine, later moving to Winchester Massachusetts, where she would graduate from Winchester High School (‘71), followed by Mt. Holyoke College (’75), along the way making many life-long friendships. After college, Robin worked in finance as a bond trader at Mass Financial Services and George K. Baum & Co. for many years, until deciding to become a full time mother.
Robin married Peter Haffenreffer on October 1, 1983 at St. Eulalia’s in Winchester, MA. They raised three children, Katie, Matt, and Chris. She and Peter moved the family from North Andover to Winchester in 1994, to be closer to their families. There she became an involved community member, becoming active in her children’s schools, and a supporter of community-run events and organizations. In addition, she was a long-time team parent and super fan of the Winchester Sachems and Northeastern Huskies.
Family meant the world to Robin. She loved her husband dearly, she cherished her close relationship with her parents, brother and sister, and was a loving mother. She provided her kids with a wonderful childhood, reinforcing in them the importance of kindness in this world. She was nurturing while also allowing space to make and learn from mistakes. She helped see them through illness, injury, and difficult times. She ensured they were happy, well-fed, and poised to take on the world as adults.
Robin created a warm and welcoming environment wherever she was. Her home was one that friends, family, and even teenagers found to be a comfortable and welcoming place to gather. Therewas a home-cooked meal on the table every night, with an extra spot at the table for anyone that might need it, and as the daughter of a baking enthusiast, she never let the cookie jar go empty. She also had an adventurous spirit, often telling stories of
the summer she bought a one way ticket and Euro Rail pass, backpacking through Europe with friends. Later on in life, despite the challenges she faced, she continued to travel with friends and family, including numerous trips to the German Christmas Markets with her brother and sister, and trips to Ireland and Italy to visit the homes of her ancestors. She enjoyed hiking, skiing and walking her dog and loyal companion, Roz, through the woods.
Although diagnosed with Alzheimer’s twelve years ago, she did not allow it to define her, instead choosing to take advantage of every moment and enjoy the benefit of more time with family. She lived her life to the fullest with strength and grace. She enjoyed being with friends and family, eating sweets, telling stories, singing along to the Beatles, dancing in the kitchen, and sharing laughs with her loved ones. She brought the best out of people and was easy to love.
Robin is survived by her husband Peter (Winchester, MA), her daughter Katie and son-in-law Chris Dooley (Arlington, MA), her son Matthew (Jamaica Plain, MA), her son Christopher (Somerville, MA), her sister Irene Page and brother Roland Sharrillo (both of Wincheser, MA), and many loving cousins, in-laws and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Lane Funeral Home 760 Main St. (Rte. 38) WINCHESTER on Monday July 12th from 4 thru 7pm with a funeral Mass to be celebrated in St. Eulalia Church 50 Ridge St. on Tuesday at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HFC www.wearehfc.org
which supports families providing care to loved ones with Alzheimers.
Alzheimers for 12 years. Daughter of the late Irene and
Roland Sharrillo, Robin was born on November 6, 1952 in Norwich, Connecticut. Robin grew up in South Portland, Maine, later moving to Winchester Massachusetts, where she would graduate from Winchester High School (‘71), followed by Mt. Holyoke College (’75), along the way making many life-long friendships. After college, Robin worked in finance as a bond trader at Mass Financial Services and George K. Baum & Co. for many years, until deciding to become a full time mother.
Robin married Peter Haffenreffer on October 1, 1983 at St. Eulalia’s in Winchester, MA. They raised three children, Katie, Matt, and Chris. She and Peter moved the family from North Andover to Winchester in 1994, to be closer to their families. There she became an involved community member, becoming active in her children’s schools, and a supporter of community-run events and organizations. In addition, she was a long-time team parent and super fan of the Winchester Sachems and Northeastern Huskies.
Family meant the world to Robin. She loved her husband dearly, she cherished her close relationship with her parents, brother and sister, and was a loving mother. She provided her kids with a wonderful childhood, reinforcing in them the importance of kindness in this world. She was nurturing while also allowing space to make and learn from mistakes. She helped see them through illness, injury, and difficult times. She ensured they were happy, well-fed, and poised to take on the world as adults.
Robin created a warm and welcoming environment wherever she was. Her home was one that friends, family, and even teenagers found to be a comfortable and welcoming place to gather. Therewas a home-cooked meal on the table every night, with an extra spot at the table for anyone that might need it, and as the daughter of a baking enthusiast, she never let the cookie jar go empty. She also had an adventurous spirit, often telling stories of
the summer she bought a one way ticket and Euro Rail pass, backpacking through Europe with friends. Later on in life, despite the challenges she faced, she continued to travel with friends and family, including numerous trips to the German Christmas Markets with her brother and sister, and trips to Ireland and Italy to visit the homes of her ancestors. She enjoyed hiking, skiing and walking her dog and loyal companion, Roz, through the woods.
Although diagnosed with Alzheimer’s twelve years ago, she did not allow it to define her, instead choosing to take advantage of every moment and enjoy the benefit of more time with family. She lived her life to the fullest with strength and grace. She enjoyed being with friends and family, eating sweets, telling stories, singing along to the Beatles, dancing in the kitchen, and sharing laughs with her loved ones. She brought the best out of people and was easy to love.
Robin is survived by her husband Peter (Winchester, MA), her daughter Katie and son-in-law Chris Dooley (Arlington, MA), her son Matthew (Jamaica Plain, MA), her son Christopher (Somerville, MA), her sister Irene Page and brother Roland Sharrillo (both of Wincheser, MA), and many loving cousins, in-laws and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Lane Funeral Home 760 Main St. (Rte. 38) WINCHESTER on Monday July 12th from 4 thru 7pm with a funeral Mass to be celebrated in St. Eulalia Church 50 Ridge St. on Tuesday at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HFC www.wearehfc.org
which supports families providing care to loved ones with Alzheimers.