Sharon Kane Ofenstein

Sharon Ofenstein of Pepperell, MA, passed suddenly in Aiken, SC, in a riding mishap on her horse March 15, 2025. She was smiling and happy and left us doing what she loved.

Sharon was born in Wilmington, DE, on October 23, 1948, daughter of Mary Esther (Roser) and John Edward Kane. She attended Yorklyn Elementary School and Alexis I. duPont High School, and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Journalism. Following a fateful meeting on a beach vacation, Sharon married W. Thomas Ofenstein and began work in Washington, DC—first as a reporter at the Washington Post and later with the United States Information Agency. When she and Tom moved to Boston, MA, Sharon pursued her interest in historic architecture, receiving a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation at Boston University. Thus began a 30-year career as a technical writer-editor at the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Center in Boston and later Lowell. Her projects were varied and interesting, ranging from the dune shacks at Cape Cod National Seashore to the laboratory and home of Thomas Edison in West Orange, NJ. At home, Sharon and Tom also achieved their dream of restoring vintage houses in College Park, MD and Reading MA. She was actively involved for many years as President of the Reading Historical Society.

After Tom’s death in 2005, Sharon remained lucky in love, marrying Dana Randolph (Randy) Prozeller. Like Tom, Randy shared Sharon’s enthusiasm for old houses, horses, and competitive games of tennis, golf, and croquet. They enjoyed wintering with their horses in Aiken, SC, where they cultivated a new circle of equestrian friends. After Randy’s passing, Sharon partnered with Lee Stoychoff, an amateur chef and western-saddle rider. Together they made a bucket-list trip to Ireland, adding to Sharon’s adventurous travels to Greece, China, Scotland, Spain, Morocco and Egypt.

Horseback riding and competing in events were a large and fun part of Sharon's life. Her most successful partnership was with her horse, Donelan, a 17-hand, gray Percheron thoroughbred with a bit of a mind of his own, but with lots of talent. Together they had many successes around New England and Aiken, SC. Sharon's hard work paid off in 2017, when Sharon and Donelan scored national ranking as Beginner Novice Master Amateur Champions. Sharon downplayed this achievement, but it doesn't get much better than that. Sharon was an active volunteer at horse shows and events, judging the show-jumping competition for Groton Pony Club events, scribing for event judges at Apple Tree Farm where she served as a board member, and helping run the Pepperell Horse Owners Association Trail Rides. Sharon was once asked why she continued to compete when most people her age were slowing down. Her response was because she loved it when people come up to her at competitions and said, “you are amazing, I hope I can be as active when I am your age.” The horse community has lost a beloved member.

The church was also important to Sharon, who served as a devoted member of First Congregational Church of Reading since 1980. She was an active participant in the life and mission of the church, holding leadership positions on the Diaconate, Council, Capital Campaign, and Mission Ministry, where her leadership and voice were deeply valued. She maintained that dedication traveling from Pepperell, MA, to Reading for the past thirty-five years. Sharon and Tom were partners in Thee Gang, a church-wide group of fun-loving active members, with monthly events that included volleyball, theater trips, Whist parties, and more. They also participated in the Annual Church Faire, overseeing the “Farm Stand” in straw hats and checkered neckerchiefs, and later co-led the “Jewelry Shop.” First Congregational Church of Reading will continue to feel the loss of Sharon Ofenstein, while carrying on in the many aspects of church life she so gracefully served.

In addition to her partner Lee Stoychoff, Sharon leaves her brother Robert (Robin) Terry Kane, nephew Morgan Edward Kane, his wife Kayla C. (Smithson) Kane, grandniece Everleigh Mae Kane, grandnephew Hudson Theodore Kane, several beloved horses and cats, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents and husbands Tom Ofenstein and Dana Randolph (Randy) Prozeller.

All are welcome to a celebration of Sharon’s life on Wednesday, May 14, at 11:30 am, at The First Congregational Church of Reading, Massachusetts. Interment at Pepperell Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New England Equine Rescue North, (NEER North, 52 Ash Street, West Newbury, MA 01985).