Mildred Clarke Sharp, 87, of Woodbury, formerly of Stamford, died peacefully Saturday, September 13, after a long illness. She was the wife for 60 years of the late Richard C. Sharp. Mrs. Sharp was born January 17, 1927 in Hyndsville, NY, the daughter of the late Reverend Fred Clarke and Marjorie (Roberts) Clarke Falshaw. She attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ for two years, majoring in organ performance. During those years, she appeared at Carnegie Hall and the Academy of Music in Philadelphia as a member of the Westminster Choir. She was also the accompanist for the Princeton Seminary Choir. Transferring to Middlebury College in Vermont, she graduated Cum Laude in 1949 with a BA in English and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Active in student government, Mrs. Sharp served as president of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was elected to Mortar Board, the honorary society.
A 45-year resident of Stamford, Mrs. Sharp built her life around her family and music. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford. Her musical career spanned almost 60 years. She served as organist in various churches in Connecticut, including the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich and the Church of Christ, Scientist in Darien. She came out of retirement in 2001 to serve as organist for two years at the Woodbury United Methodist Church where she and her husband were members. In addition, she was a piano teacher and accompanist for the Master Singers of Greater Stamford, and played the piano for local musical theater productions in Fairfield County.
She leaves her son, Robert A. Sharp and his wife, Nancy, of Woodbury, and their sons David and Matthew; her daughter Kathryn S. Scruggs and her husband, Gary, of Woodbury, and their sons Tyler, Colby, and Carter. She also had the joy of becoming a great grandmother to Riley, Liam, and Jackson. Two daughters, Betsy and Martha, predeceased her. She also leaves a brother, Reverend Philip A. C. Clarke of Cape Elizabeth, ME, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to Vivian Spence and Pamela See for the support and comfort they provided to Mildred in her final years. Their care enabled her to remain in the comfort of her home almost to the end. We would also like to thank Rae Ann Hockenberry for her steadfast and compassionate friendship through more than a decade of illness.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Woodbury United Methodist Church, 4 Church Street, Woodbury, CT 06798.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: United Methodist Church

Services: A Memorial Service followed by a reception will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 20, at Woodbury United Methodist Church, 4 Church Street, Woodbury, CT.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.