Sharon Lynn Mange

Sharon Lynn Mange (Sherry) died peacefully in her sleep at home on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. She was 82 years old. Born in Reading, Berks PA on Oct. 12, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Carl Leonard Snyder and Dorothy Geraldine (Jacobs). Her beloved husband of 58 years, John Proctor Mange, Jr., predeceased her in 2023. She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Kevin C. Mange and Kyle C. Mange; 3 grandsons, Andrew, Zachary & Nathan Mange and 6 nieces and nephews. Her brother Jeffrey S. Biehl predeceased her. She is also survived by her sisters Linda B. Sillin and Joy Sibal.

Sharon attended Reading High School, Reading PA (1961), Pennsylvania State University, State College PA (1964) and held a Master’s Equivalency Degree in Education (1970). She was previously a member of Bausman Memorial UCC Church, Wyomissing PA, where she sang in the Choir. After moving to Florida around 2006, she was a member of First Congregational UCC in Sarasota where she served as a Deacon, past President of the Women’s Fellowship Committee, Library Committee, Team Leadership Committee, Bridge Club, sang in the Chancel Choir, and was part of the Lay Visitation Ministry Team. Sharon served as a Hot-Line Volunteer for Berks Women In Crisis (Reading PA) for over 15 years. In 1984 she and her husband chaired the National UCC Convention of Marriage Encounter. She was a former Red Cross Volunteer while her husband was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines, and worked with war casualties. She also helped to provide disaster relief during the Minot ND flood of 1970 when her husband was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. She was a Member of the Penn State Alumni Association, and a member of the Humane Society.

Sharon retired from the Reading School District, Reading PA, after 31 years as an elementary teacher. Her schools in Reading PA included Northwest Elementary and 16th & Haak School. Previously, she taught in Chicopee MA; Clark Air Force Base, Philippines; and Minot North Dakota. She was a mentor for new teachers and student teachers in the Reading School District and is listed in “Who’s Who of American Teachers.” She was previously employed by the Humane Society of Berks County PA as their “Humane Educator” conducting education programs at schools, retirement homes and for organizations in Berks County PA.

Sharon was very artistic, loved to decorate, loved flowers and was always doing some type of crafts, especially her “diamond art.” She was an avid football fan and board game player and spent countless hours playing with family, friends, and aides. After the death of her husband, Sharon taught herself how to play Mahjong and enjoyed playing with other friends from her condo community at Savannah Preserve. A few hours before her passing she was hosting her Mahjong game at her home, doing what she loved.

The kindest, most beautiful soul. The gentlest of persons. The most beloved of mothers. The most cherished of grandmothers.

A Funeral Service will be held at First Congregational Church of Sarasota, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237, Sarasota, on April 27, 2026, at 11:00 am.

An Interment Service will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, Florida 34321, on April 27, 2026, at 2:30 pm.

Donations can be made to the Humane Society in her memory.