Obituary of Sharon Pearson

Sharon Lee Pearson, 64, of Centre Hall, died Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. Born January 20, 1951 in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of Shela Calahan Spicer and the late Roy E. Spicer, of Boalsburg. She married Chris J. Pearson, on July 1, 1978, who survives at home. She is survived by her mother, Shela Calahan Spicer; two brothers, Ed Spicer Jr. and his wife, Robin, of Spring Mills, and Jay E. Spicer and his wife, Janice, of Ringtown; three nephews, Roy E. Spicer, III (Eddie) of Port Matilda, Jake Spicer and his wife, Jodi, of Bellefonte, and Jed Spicer, of State College; her great niece, Katherine Spicer, of Bellefonte; and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins. Sharon was a 1968 graduate of State College Area High School. She attended Pennsylvania State University. She worked as a Special Education paraprofessional for 27 years at State College Area High School. Sharon was a member of Kiwanis and the State High Key Club advisor for more than 20 years, helping students gain a love of giving back to the community and world. From 1993 to 2011, Sharon worked as a State High Thespian advisor. During her tenure with Thespians, Sharon was the producer and costume designer, tapping into her creativity and love of fashion and design. Always an advocate for persons with disabilities, Sharon worked at Easter Seals during the summers of 1985 to 2001 and was in charge of the summer camp programming for preschoolers through high school-aged children with disabilities. Additionally, Sharon was honored in 2001 when she received the PSEA Education Support Professional of the Year Award, and in 2013, when she received the Outstanding Alumni Award from SCASD. But Sharon's greatest contribution was her work as a teacher. Students, who thought they could not learn or achieve, let alone shine, did so because of their time spent with Sharon. She worked her magic on all those who crossed her path—an educator in every sense of the word! Sharon was the embodiment of the fundamental qualities that the best educators represent: caring, empathy, kindness, leadership, and learning. Sharon valued her family and friends, students, and giving back to the community through her teaching and service. Sharon's family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Mount Nittany Medical Center for the wonderful care she received during her final days. They also wish to thank the many friends and relatives who supported them throughout her long and courageous battle. A Celebration of Sharon's Life will be held at a later date to be announced in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the LifeLink Endowment Fund, c/o Centre County Community Foundation, 1377 Ridgemaster Drive, State College, PA 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or by visiting them on Facebook.