Sharon Strum

Sharon H. Strum’s (69) precious heart stopped beating on May 14th at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. She fought a 3 year courageous yet graceful battle with cancer. She was born, August 6, 1944 in Cloquet to Walter and Jennie Skarman. Sharon married Jerry Strum in 1965 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

She graduated from Denfeld High School in 1962; earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at UMD in 1965; Master’s in Education from UMD in 1976; and acquired her Specialist in Administration in 1982. Sharon began her 33 year career in education teaching Headstart, Special Education, Title One and K-6 students, she continued her career as the Supervisor of Early Childhood Special Education. Her career in education culminated as a Principal at Congdon Park, Piedmont and Merritt Elementary Schools. Sharon attained the distinction of a Blandin Fellow and was a graduate of the Covey Institute.

Throughout her career she was very active member as a Trustee of the Duluth Teachers Retirement, Principals Association, American Reading Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Duluth Woman’s Club, and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Sharon’s commitment for quality education for all children was her greatest mission in life. She greatly enhanced the lives of students, teachers, parents and peers with her greatest gifts of listening, educating and the perseverance that every child deserves the opportunity to learn.

She had a zest for life that could not be duplicated. Her love for her family, friends and laughter was infectious to those around her. The number of friends from all walks of life that she possessed is a testament to the lives that she touched. Sharon loved traveling, golfing, sailing, skiing, planning celebrations and surprise parties for her family and friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Patrick Trihey.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Jerry; their wonderful son, Scott (Rhonda); and a very special grandson, Owen, God’s miracle; sisters, Priscilla (Don) Olson and Faye Trihey; nieces and nephews, Brenda (John) Flayton, Mark (Joyce) Olson, Deb (Taylor) Kendall, Tom (Jakki) Trihey, Heidi (Carl) Schaum; many great nieces and nephews; and a great many cherished friends.

Sharon’s family is very thankful for the loving care she received at Ecumen Lakeshore and Solvay Hospice House. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made “In Honor of Owen Strum” to: Essentia Health Foundation; Newborn Intensive Care Unit, M3E50 400 East 3rd Street Duluth, MN 55805.

Visitation: Thursday, May 22nd from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service at Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave, in Duluth. Please leave a memory of Sharon or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com