Obituary of Sharon D. Klanderman

It is with great sadness that the family of Sharon Bell Klanderman announces her passing on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at the age of 82 years. Sharon grew up on the south side of Chicago, moving to Skokie, IL in 1949, where she graduated from Niles Township High School in 1954. Sharon earned her BBA in Education from University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1958. Influenced by clinical psychologist and mentor Carl Rogers, Sharon entered the Clinical Psychology PhD program at University of Wisconsin. In the process of completing the required coursework for her PhD, she earned an MA degree in Social Psychology. Upon completing her PhD coursework she moved with her husband to Long Island in 1965 with the intent of finishing her qualifying exams and thesis off-campus. She moved to Cortland with her husband and young family in January of 1967 where she completed her certification in School Psychology. In July of 1974 Sharon began working at TST BOCES in Ithaca as a school psychologist, a position she held for almost 25 years. Sharon was an active member of the Cortland YWCA and served on the "Y" Board as well as several committees. She became a member of the Winning Way Investment Club, a strong interest she maintained until a week before her final illness. She was an avid bridge player both when working and in retirement. Sharon was a charter member and active participant of Faculty Wives Second Friday Couples Bridge Club for over 50 years. She was an active congregant of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, later Grace and Holy Spirit Church. After her retirement she traveled extensively with her husband, visiting Hawaii and several national parks, cities, and places of historical interest in the U.S. and Canada. Above all she was a devoted mother and grandmother. Nothing gave her more pleasure than visiting her children and grandchildren and being a part of their lives. Her kindness, sharp wit, delicious cooking, and generosity made her home a favorite destination for everyone in her family. Sharon focused on people, and her caring ways were a central theme in her life. Sharon will be warmly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 55 years, Kent Klanderman, and their three children, Jeffrey Klanderman, Kathryn Klanderman (Patrick Boyd), and Thomas (Clare) Klanderman. Sharon will also be remembered by her sister Susan Bell Rochow, sister-in-law Karen Bell, brother-in-law William (Jill) Klanderman, and by her grandchildren, William and Hannah Klanderman, Connor and Kellan Boyd, and Rian, Reid, and Rowan Klanderman. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and abundant friends in the Central New York Region and beyond. Sharon was predeceased by her parents Charles J. and Naomi Walker Bell, her brother Charles Bell, and her brother-in-law Kenneth Rochow. Calling hours will be held at 1:30pm – 2:45pm on Sunday, December 9th at Grace and Holy Spirit Church, 13 Court Street in Cortland, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cortland YWCA (cortlandywca.org), or the Arts at Grace music program at Grace and Holy Spirit Church. Wright-Beard Funeral Home in Cortland is serving the family. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com.