Sharon Chandler lost her battle with lung cancer and BAC has lost a most admired and respected member. Our condolences go out to her husband Dave Hammers and her children Jessica and Courtney and her grandchildren. If you missed the story we ran in the Newsletter last month, it is partially excerpted below.
Bellingham Athletic Club was privileged to witness a powerful lesson this past Northwest Open Racquetball Tournament. Sharon Chandler is an accomplished racquetball player, competing at the Women’s A/Elite level Singles and Doubles Tournaments throughout the Northwest. With her long time partner JoAnn Johnson, Sharon also travelled yearly to successfully compete at many Women’s Senior Master National Championships. Sharon is a caring, genuine woman who made racquetball a big part of her life. Wanda Collins BAC’s Racquetball Pro reminisces: I have learned a lot about the game from her over the years: she has always been an integral part of the racquetball program at BAC. We watched her daughters grow up at the club and she was one of the first to make this a family place: she embraced ALL of us as part of her racquetball family. Sharon is a life loving, honest athlete who has influenced a multitude of members and made our lives better by knowing her on and of the court.
Sharon was diagnosed with lung cancer July 2013. Although struggling with weight loss, energy loss and pain she has continued to play racquetball. So it was a bit of surprise as the Northwest Open Tournament loomed that she asked fellow morning player Karin Hoekema if she wanted to play doubles. Karin agreed, little knowing the incredible journey awaiting her. Sharon and Karin won their matches and were victorious in winning the Women’s B Doubles bracket at the NW open this past March. Sharon got to bask in the glory of winning a competition one last time to the accolades of many members, family and friends.
Sharon was an incredible presence here at BAC, known for her generosity of spirit, love of animals and her passion for the game of racquetball. She will be greatly missed. Join us in sending well wishes, sympathy and prayers to Sharon’s family.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at 2pm on Saturday June 7th at Westford’s Broadway Hall 1300 Broadway. Bring your stories, appetite and dancing shoes; it will be a party! Share your memories of Sharon at www.westfordfuneralhome.com
Respectfully, Cathy Buckley
