Talented, hilarious, compassionate, brave, loving
Beautiful, kind, and gifted, Sasha possessed a heart naturally attuned to life’s rhythm. She was talented beyond her years and possessed a musician’s ear; her aptitude was clear from a young age. She had sophisticated taste, refined from hours spent listening to global genres, honing her voice, and practicing piano, trumpet, guitar, and sitar. With a striking mane of long, curly hair, a dark sense of humor, and subtle elegance, she left a lasting impression.
Sasha’s innate empathy and compassion put those around her at ease. She could make even acquaintances feel less lonely with her presence. Holiday celebrations, especially Halloween and Thanksgiving, brought joy to Sasha’s life, as did the family cat Mimi.
Sasha’s Dominican heritage meant she traveled to the island often, riding the family’s
Donkey, Bepo, spending quality time with loved ones, and going on beach outings. Back home, she delighted in concerts. For her 25th birthday, her mother, Abigail, took her to see Radiohead. Radiohead was their soundtrack for every car ride to and from school, and Abigail will never forget her daughter’s pure joy during the show. An only child until nine, Sasha was eventually graced with a younger sister, Gabriela, whom she adored and doted on like a protective mother. Together, Abigail and her daughters shared a tattoo that Sasha had designed: a symbolic reminder of their bond, despite physical distance.
After acceptance to Berklee College of Music in Boston on a piano scholarship, her talent and life goals truly took shape. Her finely tuned ear also lent itself to a knack for foreign languages. College-level Chinese and Russian classes taken at the same time posed no issue for Sasha.
After graduating early from Berklee with a degree in Electronic Production and Design, she taught music in Boston. Teaching was gratifying to Sasha, and she excelled, winning Outstanding Teacher of the Year and the Boys and Girls Club of America. She loved motivating people to enjoy the craft as she did.
With addiction came depression, anger, and defiance. The pandemic-spurred isolation further intensified her struggle. Abigail worried day and night for her daughter as she lost control in the terrifying turnabout. Gabriela felt neglected as Sasha’s behavior commanded attention, and both she and her mother felt the endless turmoil of unconditional love.
To seek treatment and get a fresh start, she moved to New York to continue her creative endeavors among the mix of people and cultures. After stints in treatment, Sasha landed a rigorous teaching position at a piano academy. She moved to Queens, planned to walk more, and take care of her health. She aimed to repair relationships marred by substance use disorder and continue her love of all things musical. Unfortunately, after seven years of struggle, the curtain closed on Sasha’s symphony.
Though her performance has ended, Sasha’s opus plays on in the hearts of those she touched. The music lessons she taught, the final visits she made to family, and her deep influence form lasting memories. Abigail’s grief is indescribable. To honor her daughter, she plants sunflowers each spring, commemorating Sasha’s light-seeking energy. She encourages destigmatizing advocacy, art, and music, and believes no one should feel alone or ashamed of this disorder. She misses Sasha’s music, the random text messages or phone calls while she ordered chopped cheese sandwiches at the bodega, her hugs, and perhaps most of all, the strong, resilient, and effervescent energy she brought to the world.
Sasha’s mother, Abigail Sperry, provided the information for this narrative.
July 16, 1993-July 24, 2022-Age 29
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
