Fanchon Scheier Dobbs Ferry, New York Obituary

Fanchon Scheier

Longtime Hastings resident, Fanchon Scheier, died peacefully at her home Thursday, January 19, at the age of 87. Fan's generous heart enriched the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known her - her loving family, wide circle of friends, and the students she inspired as a Professor in the Theater Department at Sarah Lawrence College for over 30 years. Fan was born in New York City on October 5. 1929, to Helen and Paul Miller. Raised in Washington Heights, she graduated from the High School of Music and Art, where she studied piano and viola, and received her B.A. in Drama from Adelphi University, majoring in Drama. As an actor, Fan appeared in theater on and off-Broadway, film and television. She was a member of the Robert Lewis Acting Company and Green Gate Theater and founder of the In Stage Theater Company. In 1960, Fan met her future husband, Saul Scheier, an attorney on a blind date at the White Horse Tavern in Greenwich Village. Three days later, he proposed and they were married that year. Fan and Saul moved to Hastings in 1966, where they raised two children, Joanna and Josh. They were deeply engaged in the local community. Saul served on Hasting Board of Education. Fan was active in the Creative Arts Council, led drama workshops for children, and directed and performed in local and regional theater. Fan earned her MFA in Acting from Sarah Lawrence in 1976. She began teaching there in 1985 and continued through the Fall of 2016, leading graduate and undergraduate courses in Dramatic Improvisation and Actors' Workshop. As an educator, Fan went far beyond simply teaching the craft of acting, becoming a counselor, mentor and confidant to her students, and developing deep, often lifelong connections with many of them. Whether through theater, film, music, writing or conversation, Fan had a passion for human expression in all its forms. Above all, Fan was possessed of a relentless love for, and interest in, people. She projected warmth, kindness and generosity, never hesitating to offer acceptance, empathy, and encouragement, free of judgment. Fan's devotion to her family, friends and students was boundless, and they will forever cherish the gift of spending time by her side. Fan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Saul, two children, Joanna and Josh, both of Montclair, NJ, and four grandchildren, Eliza and Will Jacobson, and Lia and Alma Scheier. They reflected back the love she gave them, and hold her in their hearts. A private service for family and close friends will be held Sunday morning, January 22, followed by a shiva at her home in Hastings on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. To RSVP, call 917 414-9613 or 917 273-1190. A memorial will be held in April at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fan's name to The Actor's Fund www.actorsfund.org.
October 5, 1929 - January 19, 201710/05/192901/19/2017
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Obituary

Longtime Hastings resident, Fanchon Scheier, died peacefully at her home Thursday, January 19, at the age of 87. Fan's generous heart enriched the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known her - her loving family, wide circle of friends, and the students she inspired as a Professor in the Theater Department at Sarah Lawrence College for over 30 years. Fan was born in New York City on October 5. 1929, to Helen and Paul Miller. Raised in Washington Heights, she graduated from the High School of Music and Art, where she studied piano and viola, and received her B.A. in Drama from Adelphi University, majoring in Drama. As an actor, Fan appeared in theater on and off-Broadway, film and television. She was a member of the Robert Lewis Acting Company and Green Gate Theater and founder of the In Stage Theater Company. In 1960, Fan met her future husband, Saul Scheier, an attorney on a blind date at the White Horse Tavern in Greenwich Village. Three days later, he proposed and they were married that year. Fan and Saul moved to Hastings in 1966, where they raised two children, Joanna and Josh. They were deeply engaged in the local community. Saul served on Hasting Board of Education. Fan was active in the Creative Arts Council, led drama workshops for children, and directed and performed in local and regional theater. Fan earned her MFA in Acting from Sarah Lawrence in 1976. She began teaching there in 1985 and continued through the Fall of 2016, leading graduate and undergraduate courses in Dramatic Improvisation and Actors' Workshop. As an educator, Fan went far beyond simply teaching the craft of acting, becoming a counselor, mentor and confidant to her students, and developing deep, often lifelong connections with many of them. Whether through theater, film, music, writing or conversation, Fan had a passion for human expression in all its forms. Above all, Fan was possessed of a relentless love for, and interest in, people. She projected warmth, kindness and generosity, never hesitating to offer acceptance, empathy, and encouragement, free of judgment. Fan's devotion to her family, friends and students was boundless, and they will forever cherish the gift of spending time by her side. Fan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Saul, two children, Joanna and Josh, both of Montclair, NJ, and four grandchildren, Eliza and Will Jacobson, and Lia and Alma Scheier. They reflected back the love she gave them, and hold her in their hearts. A private service for family and close friends will be held Sunday morning, January 22, followed by a shiva at her home in Hastings on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. To RSVP, call 917 414-9613 or 917 273-1190. A memorial will be held in April at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fan's name to The Actor's Fund www.actorsfund.org.

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