Sharon Alayne Rosen Swedlow

Sharon Alayne Rosen Swedlow, 73, of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, May 08, 2018.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Estelle Lowenkron and the late Morris Joseph Rosen.

Sharon was an honor graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J. She was employed as a social worker with New York City Department of Child Welfare, Cuyahoga County Department of Social Services in Cleveland Ohio and Lynchburg Department of Social Services in Lynchburg, Va., During her employment in Lynchburg, she joined a coalition with two mental health counselors to bring the play “Hugs & Kisses” from Theater IV in Richmond, performed in every elementary school in Lynchburg for two separate years. As a result of this play, sexual abuse predators of young children were uncovered, as well as issues of domestic violence and child abuse.

As a child care supervisor, she oversaw and administered the Child Care Enhancement Grant which offered funds for education of child care providers, music and art education resources to child care providers, playground enhancements, furniture purchases and supplies. She also established the Learnfare Program with the Lynchburg City School System to work with children in welfare families to reduce truancy.

Sharon was involved in many organizations in the Lynchburg community. She was vice president and a Board member of Agudath Sholom Congregation. She ran the Judaica Shop for ten years. She was a part of the Holy Rollers, cleaning the torahs. She evaluated agencies for the United Way funds for several years. She was a Board member and secretary of the Adult Care Center. She served as an usher for Opera on the James and the Academy Theatre for several years. She was an active participant in Current Events Group at the Templeton Center and the New Chapter Book Club, which met monthly at Givens Book Store.

During her retirement, Sharon was able to travel extensively, which she truly enjoyed.

Sharon is survived by her two sons, Andrew (Kate) Swedlow and Ryan (Jennifer) Swedlow, who are active military (Army). She is the proud grandmother of Joseph, Micah and Haley Swedlow. She is also survived by her sister Lauri (Rob) Chaleff, brother Phillip Rosen, niece Diane Chaleff and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Temple Agudath Sholom Synagogue with visitation following the service. Burial will be prior to the memorial service at the Beth Joseph Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.