Obituary of Sharon Rowland

Sharon Frances Rowland, 67, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2013, at St. Peter’s Hospital, in Olympia, Washington. She was born on May 25, 1946 in Vancouver, Washington, where she graduated with honors from Hudson’s Bay High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Clark College and Western Washington University, where she earned a B.A. with honors, majoring in Elementary Education and Health and Fitness. She began her teaching career in Marysville, Washington; after a year there, she moved to Lacey and taught in the North Thurston Public Schools until her retirement. She then spent several years in the Yelm School District. Sharon was a much-beloved woman who was quiet, multi-talented, and caring of others, particularly of children. When she spoke, it was always in a quiet voice that compelled those around her to listen. She was wise and supportive and always ready to lend a hand, whether it was to shoot hoops with a troubled student, problem-solve with a colleague, or help a neighbor build a fence. She was always there, soothing the waters with her optimism and her help. She was a giver and a supporter, and treasured by those who knew her. Sharon shined her beautiful light on thousands of children over her years in teaching. She worked with them to create respect in all directions, to create peaceful solutions, to promote empathy, fairness, and other personal values that make the world a better place. She was an animal lover who fed the deer, birds, and even the squirrels that came to her yard. She also loved dogs and cats, particularly her own two cats, Weed and Oopie, who warmed her bed and her soul. Sharon loved her family and spoke often of those who survive her: her mother, Florence Rowland; her brothers, Jack, Jr., Jeff, and James of Vancouver, WA; her nephew, Tony Rowland of Kingston, WA; and niece, Shelley Matthews, with Sharon’s oft-mentioned great nephews, Jake and Gregory, all of Salem, MA. Sharon joins her father, Jack Rowland, Sr., who passed away in 1993. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Please leave memories of Sharon or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.