Joan G. Sharpe

YAKIMA - Joan G. Sharpe, longtime Tampa resident, died of natural causes in Yakima, WA on May 6, 2014.

Born in Milwaukee, WI on August 8, 1924, she was three months shy of her 90th birthday at her death. Raised in Shorewood, WI, the middle daughter of Walter and Helen Gaudynski, she was a proud graduate of Duke University, class of 1946. She married Victor V. Sharpe, Jr., of Tampa in 1947 and moved to Tampa with her husband and infant daughter in 1949.

She began her teaching career in 1959 at Ybor School but joined the all-new Nina Harris School in Pinellas Park in the early 60’s. Overall, she taught special education for 35 years, earning a Master’s Degree at USF along the way. While thoroughly enjoying her retirement at her Lutz lake home, she cherished her opportunities for educational travel. A Duke research cruise to Antarctica and a photo safari to Africa were precious memories. When at home, she most enjoyed her German Shepherd dogs and working in her yard. She has never been known to turn down a latte or chocolate ice cream. She moved to Yakima in 2007 to be closer to family.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Victor V. Sharpe III, of Yakima, daughter Sara E. Sharpe of Ouray, CO, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Burial will be at the Forrest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI.