BK Blast Archive

Fanchon Scheier, mother of BK member Josh Scheier, and Joanna Scheier, also of Montclair, passed peacefully at her home Thursday, January 19, at the age of 87. Fan's generous heart enriched the lives of many. 

Fan was born in New York City on October 5. 1929, to Helen and Paul Miller. A true product of NYC, she graduated from the High School of Music and Art and Adelphi University (Click here for an article from Adelphi Magazine, 2011). In 1960, she met her future husband, Saul Scheier, on a blind date at the White Horse Tavern.  Three days later, he proposed, and they were married that year.  In 1966, the family moved to Hastings on Hudson, where they raised two children and remained, together, 56 years.     

Fan was an accomplished actor, appearing in theater, 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 Hastings, Fan was active in the Creative Arts Council, led drama workshops for children, and directed and performed in local and regional theater. 

In 1985, Fan began her next career as a Professor of Acting at Sarah Lawrence where she taught more than three decades before falling ill last month. As an educator, Fan went well beyond simply teaching the craft, 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 and empathy, never hesitating to offer acceptance 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, Saul, children, Joanna and Josh, 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 graveside service for family and close friends will be held Sunday morning, January 22. 

A shiva will be held Tuesday evening from 6-9 pm at the home of Josh Scheier & Anat Soudry (303 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair).

Donations may be made in Fan's name to The Actor's Fund (http://www.actorsfund.org/).