Sharon Sue Gillen

Sharon Sue (Grodrian) Gillen, age 80, passed away February 10, 2019. Sharon was born November 1, 1938 to Darwin and Dorellyn (Rankin) Grodrian, both deceased. She graduated from South Side High School, Fort Wayne, and later received her Associates degree in Religious Education from Defiance College, Ohio.

A lifelong member and retired licensed minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Sharon most recently belonged to North Christian Church, Fort Wayne. Sharon married Herbert A. Gillen on May 18, 1957, and he survives. She is also survived by daughters, Susan (Bill-deceased) Townsend of Valparaiso, Ind., Annette (Mark) Frette of Washington, Ind., Tracy (Lenny) Noens of Indianapolis, Ind., Laura (Paul) Ruby of Folsom, Calif., and Marla (Darryle) Paulhill of Warsaw, Ind.; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and brother, Tim (Marilyn) Grodrian of Chicago, Ill. She was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Karen.

Herbert, an ordained minister, and Sharon served many congregations throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. After retiring from active ministry, they managed Barbee Christian Camp in Leesburg, Ind. They retired to Fort Wayne where Sharon was involved in many service activities through North Christian Church and Fort Wayne Community Schools. Many of these activities benefited local children and youth. She was also a docent at the Fort Wayne Lincoln Museum.

Sharon was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts U.S.A. She was a scout, adult volunteer, and executive staff member. She served as a volunteer executive staff member at Macy’s conference center for many years.

Throughout her life, Sharon shared her musical talents as pianist, soloist, choir director, and a member of the Fort Wayne Summit Singers. She had an amazing ability to blend her voice with any group of singers, whether small or large. Sharon passed many of these musical talents on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but none could match her beautiful voice.

Per her wishes, Sharon’s body will be cremated. A remembrance and memorial service will take place at a later date.