Sharon Stannard Obituary

Sharon K. Stannard

Sharon K. Stannard, 81, of Fostoria, passed away Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, at Toledo Hospital.

She was born Aug. 7, 1942, to C. Calvin and Pauline (Seiler) Stannard. She and her mother lived with her grandpa and grandma Seiler on their farm while her dad was serving his country in World War II. The love of land and family were nurtured during that wonderful time and Sharon loved the country life.

Sharon's mom was one of 10 children. Sharon's mom was the first of her family to graduate high school and went to Bowling Green State University and began teaching. A deep respect of education was fostered and Sharon followed in her mother's footsteps, attending BGSU, earning her degree in education. Sharon loved teaching and enjoyed her students and their families. She spent nine years teaching in Lake County, Indiana, only 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and all the experiences available there. She then moved to Fostoria and for a while, felt she had come to the wrong place. That quickly disappeared and she spent 42 years being a teacher, elementary principal, director of special education, assistant superintendent of education, and then Superintendent when she retired in 2001. She was sure her involvement in education had ended. But not really. In 2011, she was elected to Fostoria Board of Education and served for 12 years.

Sharon served as FEA President, FWC President, Alpha Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, and NWOOSBA and Seneca County Retired Teachers. She also led a Bible Study group. In her spare time, she loved attending the theatre, football and basketball games, following the Redmen, loving and caring for her dogs and cats, and often remarked she never met a four pawed critter that she didn't love. Being an avid reader, her family often told her that she didn't have to own so many books and she would just smile.

Sharon is survived by her brother, Charles Stannard of Lakeview; sister, JoNell (John) Ott of South Bend, Indiana; nieces and nephews, Tammy (Scott), Tim (Lauri), Eric (Martha), Jason, Nicole (Greg), Rachel (Shawn), and Catherine; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

Sharon's funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Robin Kapostasy officiating. Graveside services and burial will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Archbold Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, Fostoria, and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fostoria Women's Club or charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hffh.net.