She was born May 9th, 1937 on Romig Road Outside of Akron to Helen Hazel (nee Nakon) Wallace and Austin William Pearce before moving to Goodyear Heights and attending Seiberling Elementary School. She graduated from Akron East High School in 1955 and attended Kent State University for her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. Beginning at Lincoln Elementary in Cuyahoga Falls with her first 4th grade class, she began a storied career working with students of all ages throughout the rest of her adult life. She returned to Kent State for a masters in Curriculum and Development and later attended Ohio University for another masters in Guidance and Counseling. She had a 38 year career with Columbus Public Schools teaching at all levels with assignments at West Broad Street Elementary, Avondale Elementary, Windsor Elementary, Arlington Park Elementary, and Columbus Alternative High School. Her stalwart belief in equality and equity for all students guided her throughout her professional career leading to the creation of positive discipline programs for Columbus Students. A lifelong learner, she had a keen interest in current brain research and its effect on teaching and learning led her to develop graduate level courses for The Ohio State University. She used that knowledge to provide in services for teachers throughout Ohio and eventually becoming the Ohio Educator for DARE International working with police officers on classroom management and teaching strategies. She was recognized as the DARE Educator of the Year in 2010.
An active member of the Cuyahoga Falls Teachers Association and later the Columbus Education Association, she received the CEA Builder of The Association Award in 1997 for her years of service and commitment to the Public School Teachers of Columbus. It was her early work with The Ohio Education Association EPAC committees that introduced her to John Hall, her loving husband of 17 years.
A member of Alpha Phi, Beta Omega Chapter of Kent State, she was recognized for her philanthropic work supporting the American Heart Association through her annual lollipop sale.
Baptized into Christ at Thayer Street Church of Christ on Tallmadge Avenue in Akron and continuing her journey with various congregations throughout the years, she was especially active with the Marathon Church of Christ at her winter residence of Marathon, Florida.
An avid Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Bengals fan and seldom having missed an Ohio State football game, her love of sports sent her to Superbowls, National Championship games, Rose Bowls, spring trainings and world series games.
Affectionately dubbed “the hostess with the mostest”, having her Homeplace in Canal Winchester overflowing with family and friends for over 50 years brought her immeasurable joy and demonstrated her aptitude for decorating and holiday entertaining. While full of antiques and collectibles, all who visited knew that it was first and foremost a home to be lived in, enjoyed, and shared.
Never without a convertible, she was a passionate sun worshipper. From summer weekends at Chaska Beach on Lake Erie, driving her jeep on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, or her second home in the Florida Keys, her love of sun, sand, and surf was unparalleled. And if there was a Rollercoaster in the vicinity, all the better. Starting with The Thriller at Euclid Beach Park and The Blue Streak at Cedar Point during the annual Goodyear Tire and Rubber Family Picnics, and culminating with a love of The Beast at Kings Island, it could never be high enough or fast enough to suit her.
Presided in death by her adoring husband John H. Hall, she leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Rebecca (James) Gordon and Mary (Kyle) Heffner, niece Stacy (Brian) Burrier, nephew Jeff (Michele) Devore, cousins Lori (Michael) Murray and Nancy (Jeff) Hoinski, her childhood best friend, Alice Hurd along with an abundance of family, friends and professional colleagues; but mostly countless students whose lives she impacted in so many ways.
A memorial service will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 with visitation beginning at 5pm followed by the memorial service at 6pm, Schoedinger Funeral Home, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Oh 43017. In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorial donations or contributions be made to: The Columbus Education Association Scholarship Fund thru The Columbus Foundation, Columbus Education Association (CEA) Scholarship, 1234 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205, Colony Cats, colonycats.org or The Marathon Church of Christ, P.O. Box 501585, 325 26th Street, Marathon, Fla 33050.
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