Shereese Vargas-Williams: A Legacy for Sammie
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It is not length of life, but depth of life.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
A depth of life indeed for Shereese Vargas-Williams, a NJ middle school guidance counselor who recently died unexpectedly. The married mother of a soon-to-be one year old, was known for being a caretaker for all.
Born in 1987, Shereese was raised in Brooklyn, NY by mother Michelle along with brother Majesty, and attended Bushwick High School. She was the first in her family to go to college as education was always her main focus—even getting a tattoo stating “Education is Key”.
Keeping true to her word, Shereese graduated in 2012 with a BS degree in Behavioral Science; followed in 2015 by an MS degree in School Counseling, both from Mercy College. Even more remarkable is that she completed these degrees while also working full time as a Medical Assistant in a Physical Therapy office. And of course the occasional social night out to NYC, where she met her future wife Janet Vargas in 2011.
With an instant connection, the two forged a team that would inspire Janet to go back to school and to later produce son Sammie, who turns one in June, 2020.
Taking care of others was nothing new to Shereese though. Always known for being prepared, she could be counted on for all types of events, big and small. Shereese was the friend with the snacks.
“Shereese was resourceful to say the least. And she loved kids and she loved to cook for the holidays. She was always the caretaker, especially to me and Sammie”, said wife Janet Vargas-Williams.
Shereese’s love of children (and education!) combined for a path as a school counselor. Starting out at the Cicely L Tyson Community School in East Orange, Shereese then applied for a position at Washington Middle School in Harrison. Since she had such little actual work experience, Shereese was initially super nervous about applying for the job. But after meeting with Principal Mike Landy, he had faith and confidence in Shereese and gave her the job, which was later extended to due to another position opening in the building.
“During her brief time in Harrison, Mrs. Williams served as both Guidance Counselor and Social Worker at Washington Middle School. She continually went out of her way to give of herself, going the extra mile to listen, support, and guide the students”, said Principal Landy. “She served as our school’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Specialist. She was a Connections Coordinator as well as a member of the School Climate and Safety Team. When needed Ms. Williams also stepped up to coach our Girl’s Volleyball Team this past Fall”.
Shereese had other passions too. In addition to walking for breast cancer causes, and autism and suicide awareness, she was an avid photographer drawn to images of natural scenery.
“Shereese was my rock. She was kind-hearted, giving, and just willing to help anyone in need”, said Janet Vargas-Williams. “She helped me through some tough times when I was younger. I want Sammie to know how giving Shereese was. That’s her legacy”.
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We, the Harrison Education Foundation, were honored to know Mrs. Shereese Vargas-Williams through her recent exemplary employment with the Harrison Board of Education, and are saddened to learn of her recent unexpected passing. Our colleague Shereese was known for her giving nature to those in need, and now with the loss of her income, we're asking you to make a donation to assist with the immediate needs of her year old son, Sammie, and wife, Janet.
Thank you for considering this worthy cause.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
A depth of life indeed for Shereese Vargas-Williams, a NJ middle school guidance counselor who recently died unexpectedly. The married mother of a soon-to-be one year old, was known for being a caretaker for all.
Born in 1987, Shereese was raised in Brooklyn, NY by mother Michelle along with brother Majesty, and attended Bushwick High School. She was the first in her family to go to college as education was always her main focus—even getting a tattoo stating “Education is Key”.
Keeping true to her word, Shereese graduated in 2012 with a BS degree in Behavioral Science; followed in 2015 by an MS degree in School Counseling, both from Mercy College. Even more remarkable is that she completed these degrees while also working full time as a Medical Assistant in a Physical Therapy office. And of course the occasional social night out to NYC, where she met her future wife Janet Vargas in 2011.With an instant connection, the two forged a team that would inspire Janet to go back to school and to later produce son Sammie, who turns one in June, 2020.Taking care of others was nothing new to Shereese though. Always known for being prepared, she could be counted on for all types of events, big and small. Shereese was the friend with the snacks.
“Shereese was resourceful to say the least. And she loved kids and she loved to cook for the holidays. She was always the caretaker, especially to me and Sammie”, said wife Janet Vargas-Williams.
Shereese’s love of children (and education!) combined for a path as a school counselor. Starting out at the Cicely L Tyson Community School in East Orange, Shereese then applied for a position at Washington Middle School in Harrison. Since she had such little actual work experience, Shereese was initially super nervous about applying for the job. But after meeting with Principal Mike Landy, he had faith and confidence in Shereese and gave her the job, which was later extended to due to another position opening in the building.
“During her brief time in Harrison, Mrs. Williams served as both Guidance Counselor and Social Worker at Washington Middle School. She continually went out of her way to give of herself, going the extra mile to listen, support, and guide the students”, said Principal Landy. “She served as our school’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Specialist. She was a Connections Coordinator as well as a member of the School Climate and Safety Team. When needed Ms. Williams also stepped up to coach our Girl’s Volleyball Team this past Fall”.
Shereese had other passions too. In addition to walking for breast cancer causes, and autism and suicide awareness, she was an avid photographer drawn to images of natural scenery.“Shereese was my rock. She was kind-hearted, giving, and just willing to help anyone in need”, said Janet Vargas-Williams. “She helped me through some tough times when I was younger. I want Sammie to know how giving Shereese was. That’s her legacy”.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
We, the Harrison Education Foundation, were honored to know Mrs. Shereese Vargas-Williams through her recent exemplary employment with the Harrison Board of Education, and are saddened to learn of her recent unexpected passing. Our colleague Shereese was known for her giving nature to those in need, and now with the loss of her income, we're asking you to make a donation to assist with the immediate needs of her year old son, Sammie, and wife, Janet.
Thank you for considering this worthy cause.
Organizer and beneficiary
Harrison Education Foundation
Organizer
Daniel Choffo
Beneficiary
