Obituary of Sharon Lynn (Powers) LaViolette

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Sharon Lynn (Powers) LaViolette. This kind, generous soul left us on June 27, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer.

Raised in Lubbock, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of the late Jack and Rudie Jones. A talented artist and designer, Sharon saw beauty all around her. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Fine Arts.

In 1964, she married Dave Powers, then stationed at the Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock.  The couple lived in Reno, NV and Rapid City, SD, before moving to Ballston Lake, NY to raise two girls, Kristie and Shelley. 

After her daughters were in school, Sharon worked as an interior decorator with the Carl Company in Schenectady. She also helped bring to life the rustic charm and ambiance for the businesses she and her husband owned and operated including the Olde Bryan Inn in Saratoga Springs, NY and The Olde Homestead in Burnt Hills, NY. She later went on to purchase The Old Homestead outright with friend and business partner, Jeanne Wilkensen. Sharon cherished her time in the restaurants where she will always be remembered for her southern charm, quiet way and easy smile. 

After more than ten years together, Sharon married Tom LaViolette in 2001. The two shared a love of life and adventure, traveling to many places throughout the country. Tom loved Sharon deeply and cared for her especially after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  With his help, Sharon never lost her true self, always quick to laugh and smile.

Sharon’s favorite role in life was being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, always putting family first. Her family, friendships and lasting memories will keep her alive in our hearts.

Predeceased by her parents, niece, Karen (Powers) Joyce, nephew Jeff Powers and great nephew Christopher Joyce, Sharon’s legacy continues with her husband, Thomas H. LaViolette III, daughters, Kristina Lynn Powers, Michele Leigh Powers (Don Biggs), step-sons, Thomas H. LaViolette IV and Todd D. LaViolette; grandchildren, Joseph David Mullen and Andrea Lynn Mullen; nieces and nephews: Edward (Londy) Powers, Lynn (Bob) Allison, Julie Powers, Jill (Stephen) Wyman, many great nieces and nephews, as well as her first husband and friend, David J. Powers. 

We are forever grateful to Community Hospice and her amazing caregivers: Danielle, Tyria, Shelly, Shoba, Karmen and Ann who helped her remain in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Glenville Funeral Home on Thursday, July 29th at 1 PM. To help celebrate Sharon's life, light colored attire is encouraged. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405 Albany NY 12205. Online condolences may be shared at glenvillefuneralhome.com