Sharon A. Shaffer, a respected leader in science communication at NIST who cared deeply for family, friends, and colleagues, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 79, concluding a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her life was defined by professional excellence and the warmth, generosity, and love she shared with those around her.

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Born in San Rafael, CA, in 1945, Sharon grew up in Lincoln, RI, as the eldest of six children in the Washburn family. She earned a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in 1967 before making her home in Maryland. In 1980, she married artist Mike Shaffer, becoming stepmother to Ian and Marc, and was overjoyed to welcome her son, David, into the world in 1984. She delighted in the arrival of grandchildren Alycia and Brian in 2002 and 2003. Sharon passed peacefully in memory care in Germantown, MD, surrounded by those who loved her.

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Sharon was a devoted sister, caring wife, loving mother, and cherished friend who found joy in supporting and spending time with her loved ones. She will be remembered for her strong sense of integrity and her thoughtful, generous spirit. Sharon was in her element hosting the family for dinner at her home in Ijamsville and spending summer days with her siblings, nieces, and nephews on the Cape. Sharon was a woman of exceptional talent and compassion, who combined a warm heart with a strong gift for communicating. She is remembered by her coworkers and friends as a steady presence and empathetic companion. 

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For 35 years, Sharon guided a full spectrum of communications created by the Office of Public Affairs to explain the substance and importance of NBS/NIST’s work, playing a pivotal role in enhancing NIST’s reputation for integrity and excellence.  As a gifted writer and editor, she was responsible for managing publications, websites, conferences, exhibits, and audiovisual programs. She also developed communications aimed not only at the general public, but at members of Congress and other senior policymakers, industry leaders, academic experts and NIST staff. She led these communications in increasingly responsible management positions, retiring as Chief of the Public and Business Affairs Office in 2006. For her outstanding contributions, Sharon was awarded the NBS Bronze Medal in 1975 and the U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal in 1991. In 2019, she was inducted into the NBS/NIST Hall of Fame.

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After her retirement in 2006, Sharon enjoyed a number of hobbies and activities with her family and friends, including yoga, hiking, reading, cooking, and doting over her beloved cat, Abby. She especially loved to travel. She and her husband Mike lived in Ijamsville, Maryland for most of the duration of their long marriage, where they continued to enjoy hosting family gatherings. In the final year of her life, Sharon lived in the memory care unit of Tribute at Black Hill in Germantown, MD.

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Sharon will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Michael Shaffer; her son David Shaffer (Laura Fierce); stepsons Ian Shaffer (Debbie Kumpf) and Marc Shaffer (Kara Shaffer); grandchildren Alycia and Brian Shaffer; siblings George Washburn (Kathryn), Judith Ridolfi (Richard), Elizabeth Russo, Jonathan Washburn, and Carolyn Rowland; and numerous nieces and great-nieces and nephews and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Russell Rowland and Joel Russo. Her legacy of love, kindness, and professional excellence will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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A funeral service will be held on April 18 at Hilton Funeral Home (22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD), with visitation beginning at 2:30pm, followed by a memorial service at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Sharon’s dedication to charity and social justice would be honored by donations to Doctors Without Borders.