Nancy W. Sharp

Nancy W. Sharp (nee Wykoff), age 97 of Shaker Hts., OH.  She was the beloved wife of the late John G. Sharp; loving mother of Susan W. Sharp, Bonnie Sharp of Shaker Hts. and the late Gordon T. Sharp; dear grandmother of Jackie and Peter Greiner. 

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to the Animal Protective League, 1729 Willey Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113. 

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44106 on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1 PM.  

Interment, Lake View Cemetery. 

Nancy's family shares the following memories and reflections:

Nancy was in the class of 1945 at Laurel School. Bradford College followed and then the fun began.

Active with the Junior League, Dunham Tavern, white elephant, monthly shows at nursing homes, all with having three small children at home. Boats became our summer and we traveled all over the great lakes with other families. Twenty years were spent at Put-in-Bay at a time when golf carts were scarce.

Winters were very busy as Nancy was one of the founders of curling at the Cleveland Skating Club. The last rock delivered was in Canada with international curlers at the age of 90.

“Nancy always found the fun in life – SLICC curling event in Canada some years ago they crossed the Ice Bridge over the Ottawa River (in a blizzard with creaking ice, limited visibility and a steep incline back up the road). Nancy thought it was hilarious that they might have been stuck on the river! The next day, visiting a ‘drive thru’ Nature Park in Canada, more thrills. Nancy had the window down to see the park, they purchased food to feed the animals; the bag on her lap at the ready they soon encountered herds of elk. Soon, a massive head came through the window. The food still on Nancy’s lap, he helped himself as Bonnie tried to accelerate pleading with her startled Mom to close the window! Nancy laughed and laughed telling us of the adventure.” Thank you, Jennifer, for the memory.

The Cleveland Skating Club has been so important to four generations of her family. Nancy swam, played tennis, worked out in several strength and mobility classes. Back to curling which was always her staple.

“Always a giant smile, and uplifting greeting or comment and of course friends and more friends with her. Her PT Cruiser was known across Shaker and regularly seen at the Cleveland Skating Club. Lunches seemed to be her favorite time and often involved her being a runway model in many a style show. She was always ready for dressing up going out. Her mink jacket was a must as was her tube of lipstick.

She curled you know. She enjoyed the game and all the comradery with fellow curlers from near and far. Home host did she for the annual bonspiel. Almost always she was found in her favorite viewing site at the side windows for the final games. She was the local analyst for all.

On the ice she was not invisible. Her laugh and her bright red down vest gave her away. Not all knew but her curling broom was special too. Yes, it did contain a libational treat, be it morning, noon or night.

Nancy empowered many to be themselves: she was herself…. To be missed and remembered.” Thank you, Maryann.

Nancy traveled the world with many girlfriends especially Marj. Mom and I spoke daily and when she would start off with “I just got off the phone with Marj” we knew yet another trip was planned. With all her traveling and other activities mom found herself without a wonderful companion canine. She figured out how to make the best of two worlds.

From Alice…. “Nancy volunteered in a mobility service dog training program at a women’s state prison from 2006 – 2019. For 7 of these years she served as a furlough foster mom, welcoming a dog into her home, teaching household manners, and providing community experiences.

Perhaps Nancy’s most valuable contribution to the program was her relationships with inmates and with the other community volunteers.

She was a wonderful role model for the inmates. Her strong spirit and caring way touched their hearts and gave them hope.

The community-based volunteers loved spending time with her, exchanging life stories and sharing meals. She taught that even late in life a person can be vibrant and contribute to the wellbeing of others.

She will be missed by everyone whose life she touched.”

As mom aged, she got a wee bit crooked. Mom fixed this also and met Kit: “I had the great privilege of spending an hour a week with Nancy for over 20 years. Our roles were originally massage therapist and client, but we quickly became friends. She was my confidant, encourager, wise counsel, teacher, fashion advisor and pal. I learned from her that fun is to be had anywhere, if one can shift the focus away from the clouds of life – if only for a little while. She loved to laugh, and oh my, we did! I miss you, Mrs. Bloom.” 😉

Nancy was strong, kind and fun loving. She always had our backs as we had hers. It is an honor that we had you for so many wonderful years.

A huge shout out to Anthology of Mayfield Heights where she spent the last year and a half in a stylish home furnished apartment. The staff was kind, caring and loved her sense of humor.

You who, Mrs. Bloom we miss you so!