Sharon D Humphrey
Sharon D Humphrey
November 20, 1950 ‐ July 11, 2022
On July 11, 2022, A beautiful, bright soul was lost. Sharon was a dear friend to many, as well as being a cherished family member, a respected colleague, and an adored caretaker to her furry friends, wolfhounds and the five darlings.
Sharon Diane Humphrey, 71, of North Ridgeville Ohio, died Monday (July. 11th) at the Cleveland Clinic.
She was born November 20th, 1950, in Syracuse NY the daughter of the late Chester and Mary (Ledger) Maahs. She was predeceased by her husband of 29 years Mark Wells Humphrey. Sharon’s memory and smile will forever live on in our hearts. To fill the emptiness will be a challenge, but knowing that she is pain-free now, after years of fighting cancer as valiantly and courageously as possible, her family and friends are confident that she is laughing and dancing, as she waits for us with arms extended in the afterlife. As one of her dearest friends said, “She has made our lives richer for having known her”.
Sharon graduated in 1972 from Kent State University, Kent Ohio with a degree in special education. After graduation Sharon remained in Ohio to which became home. Sharon was first and foremost, a dedicated Education Specialist and Administrator. She was a formidable force in pushing for policies and programs to benefit special needs students in numerous school districts.
Sharon worked for many Ohio school districts in an administrative capacity throughout her lifetime. Rocky River High, Director of Special education for Brunswick Schools, Director of Pupil Services, Elyria City School District, North Olmsted City School District. She retired from North Olmsted in 2007 as Director of Pupil Services. Sharon loved what she did and after her retirement quickly rejoined the workforce as a Director of Pupil Services in Westlake City School district, then later as a Consultant with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. Sharon was an integral part of a schools’ instructional leadership team, initiating, overseeing, and developing programs providing services to students with exceptional learning needs. She was always dedicated to maximizing the potential of each student. Throughout her notable career, she served as an exceptional mentor to numerous special education teachers and aids.
Sharon had an adventurous spirit. Her interests and talents spanned across a vast variety of activities. Throughout her life she exhibited her love of the outdoors by snow skiing, sailboat racing, kayaking, gardening and so much more. She even held a black belt in Judo! In one adventure Sharon and Mark found a special place to make friends and memories on an Island in Canada called Pelee Island where they built a cottage on the water’s edge and spent many years enjoying the Pelee Life. Surviving relatives include sister Doris Withey Maahs, niece Julie Garoutte, both of Sante Fe NM; nephew Dan (Kay) Withey their children Jasmine and Jake of Anchorage AK; nephew Dave (Michelle) Withey their children Madlyn and Camden of Lacey WA; sister Barbara (William) Schneider of Elbridge NY; nephew Mark (JoAnn) Schneider of Elbridge NY; great niece Jana Schneider of Memphis NY; great nephew, Josh (Allyson) Schneider and their children Brynn, William, Hannah and Olivia of Marcellus NY; great nephew Sam (Allison) Schneider of New Iberia LA; niece Debbie Schneider (Ken Wolf) of Marcellus NY; stepdaughter Tara Anderson (Jason Myford), children Kayla Fawks her son Hayden Fawks; Jamie Anderson Jr., Alexander Anderson, Savannah Anderson all of Olmsted Falls, Ohio
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at Thursday September 15, 2022 at 4:00 pm at Westlake United Methodist Church 27650 Center Ridge Road Westlake. A reception will follow at 8700 Gatewood Dr. North Ridgeville Ohio.
Sharon was an avid Irish Wolfhound lover. Memorial donations may be made to the Irish Wolfhound Club of America at https://www.iwclubofamerica.org/donations
Online condolences can be expressed at www.JenkinsFuneralChapel.com.
Guest Comments
Barbara and Bill Schneider
Elbridge, NY
Sharon was my youngest sister and my flower girl when Bill and I married. We were always close and she and her mother spent all the holidays for many years with us. She would always call when she needed a break from the stress of life and say can I come for the weekend or a week. She was always invited for all of our family celebrations. The diagnoses of cancer was not what she looked forward in life to but was a very brave fighter. She was loved greatly by all of her family and we will all miss her bright spirit. Rest in peace along with husband Mark.
Love you Barbara and Bill
Judy Riedel
North Ridgeville, OH
I worked with Sharon while she was employed by north Olmsted schools. She was a kind, smart & positive person. I enjoyed her company & humor while we were working together. She also became a neighbor who I would see walking her dogs, we had time to remember & reconnect I will miss her smiling face & positive attitude all through her life!! Rest In Peace Sharon
Lois Healan
Westlake, Ohio
Sharon was a remarkable friend and colleague. We worked closely together in the North Olmsted School District while she headed the Pupil Services department. I enjoyed her wit and adventurous spirit. Sleep in peace, my friend.
Terri McIntee
Burton, Ohio
I have known Sharon for about 22 years. We sometimes sat across the table as I advocated for families of students with disabilities and she spoke on behalf of the district but we had mutual respect for the children. She had a great sense of humor and always communicated honestly and from the heart. In the end, we stood shoulder to shoulder advocating for kids! "You made a difference where you could Sharon, may you go in peace knowing your life was well lived, my friend!
Rachella Gervais
Pelee Island Ontario Canada
My deepest sympathy to the family Sharen will be deeply missed. The fun we had on Pelee will always be in our hearts and in are memories love you Sharen
Trish Jason
San Tan Valley, AZ
Although Sharon and I had lost touch over the years, we were particularly close when I began my teaching career at Rocky River High School. Her professional and personal support during that time was immeasurable and definitely sustained me during those difficult first years of my career. As noted by many others whose lives she touched, Sharon will always be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Jeff Kibler
Columbia Station
Sharon had a love for life and always had time to talk despite her medical problems..She made people feel special when she herself was going through so much..we miss you Sharon and the strength and compassion you always seemed to share.
Paul and Michelle Feltz
Pelee Island
Our deepest sympathy to family and friends of this wonderful woman. Small in stature, but mighty in heart and character we will forever cherish our dear friend whom we love very much.
Many laughs and serious life discussions. We are better for having you in our lives.
Love Paul, Michelle, Herb, Coulter, and Mack.
Mark Schneider
Elbridge
We loved her dearly. Forever in our hearts.
Mark, JoAnn and family
Midge Kristinovch
Pelee island onartio
It is with deep sadness to here of Sharen passing I will miss her. Midge a Pelee friend.
Paul Pavlovich
Elyria
I’ve only known Sharon for a few years. From her love of cats to her kayaking she was certainly a unique bundle. My wife and I lost a great friend with her passing.
Lorrie Pavlovich
Elyria Ohio
You were a great boss and friend. Enjoyed doing all the things you loved. Miss you. You will always be in my life. Love you
Margie Stercho
Mililani,HI
I was blessed to work under Sharon’s guidance for a year as a school based therapist in Elyria. She was one of best Special Education Directors I have ever known. This life is so short. I’m truly grateful for that wonderful year in Elyria Schools.
Rest In Peace dear friend.