Susan Scharoun makes this promise: Next Saturday's funeral Mass in Syracuse for her sister Kris will be a statement of gratitude for an unassuming civil rights champion whose embrace of possibility with her late husband, Paul, became a national statement. "The important point is that she was a teacher to so many, and a pioneer," said Scharoun, a psychology professor at Le Moyne College. "She was so clear of mind, so full of grace, and she attracted people who wanted to be around her.
" Paul Scharoun-DeForge, Scharoun said, "was a great man," and in marriage through sheer love and grit – the couple lived out a message that gave hope to thousands of families. They were both born with Down syndrome. To the best knowledge of Scharoun, who has researched the question, their marriage of 25 years was the longest in American history for two people with Down syndrome, at least at the time of Paul's death – though Scharoun dreams that record will be broken, many times.
To appreciate the power of their example, simply speak with the families of Anna Winnicki and Jack Monson, a teenage couple who shared a memorable evening last week, at the Lancaster High School prom. Jack, 18, attends West Seneca East. Anna, 17, is a senior at Lancaster who will soon walk the stage at her school's graduation.
They met as 1-year-olds, attending the same early childhood program. Their families have photos of them in strollers, holding hands. Like Paul and Kris ScharounDeForge, they were born with Down .
