Sharon A. Smith

When Sharon made up her mind to do something, there was no stopping her. Her love of education began at Sacred Heart Grammar School in Staten Island where she graduated with second honors in 1962. She attended St Joseph Hill Academy in Staten Island graduating in 1966. Upon graduation she received a scholarship to Georgian Court College and a New York State Regents Scholarship.

Sharon attended Georgian Court College, not yet a University. She loved her time there, making great memories and great friends. Sharon was the Business Editor of the Courtier yearbook. She graduated in 1970 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in French. She was a member of Pi Delta Phi the French honor society.

Sharon got a job right out of college and moved to the Jersey Shore. She was hired at Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School in Seaside Heights as a 6th grade teacher. During her years at the Boyd School Sharon taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, and basic skills.

Sharon was dedicated to being a great teacher. She continued her education at Kean College and got her MAEd and a certificate as a Reading Specialist.

Sharon was passionate about being a teacher as well as an advocate for her coworkers. She was one of the founding members of the Seaside Heights Education Association and served as the first union president. It was there where she met coworkers who became her family.

Sharon retired in 2007 after teaching 37 years! Her students have wonderful memories of Miss Smith as their teacher. Sharon had a great memory for all her students and could recall their names and faces for years. She was also well known for her beautiful penmanship.

Besides education, Sharon’s other passion was traveling. She had so many adventures she could not pick a favorite. She visited 40 states and over 18 countries. She explored Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Bermuda and several Caribbean Islands. She also took a transatlantic cruise on the Queen Mary 2.

Sharon kept a newspaper clipping that described people born on May 14. It says those born that day are able to direct others and would make a brilliant teacher. They are warm hearted, loving and generous. These are all the qualities that drew people to Sharon.

Sharon is survived by her dear friends and 37 years of students.

A visitation for Sharon will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 5 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River.