Sharon Gire

Sharon was born in Columbus, Ohio. She received a Bachelors Degree in Education from Ohio State University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. She was married to her husband Dana for 56 years.

Sharon's many years of public service began with leadership roles in the YWCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Northeast Interfaith Center for Racial Justice. She served on the Mount Clemens City Commission, on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, in the Michigan House of Representatives, and on the Michigan State Board of Education. She was the Director of Michigan's Office of Services to the Aging under Governor Jennifer Granholm.

Sharon was a strong advocate for victims of domestic abuse and a firm supporter of children's rights. She served on numerous boards and committees and belonged to many civic organizations. She received awards from the Wayne State University School of Social Work, the Michigan Association for Local Public Health, the Clintondale Schools, Zonta of Macomb, the Council on Maternal and Child Health, and the Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Women.

Sharon was instrumental in establishing the Presbyterian Village of Peace Manor, which dedicated its library in her honor. She was a member of Peace United Presbyterian Church (now the New Life Presbyterian Church).

Sharon is survived by her husband Dana, her sister Judy Knoll, and her brothers-in-Law Thomas and Michael Gire. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2 at the New Life Presbyterian Church in Sterling Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor to the donor's favorite charity are encouraged.