Sharon Ann (Musselman) Franz Wallace, 77, of Coldwater, MI passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, January 25, 2023 in the presence of loved ones.
As anyone within her beloved family, friends, and community can attest, her impact was profound.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Shayne Looper from Lockwood Community Church officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held, prior to the service, on Wednesday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Sharon was born December 13th, 1945 in Sturgis, MI to Marlin “Mike” and Lola (Watson) Musselman. She married Robert J. “Jack” Franz in 1968 until his passing in 1997. She married Eugene F. “Gene” Wallace in 2004 until his passing August, 15th, 2022.
Sharon attended Union City Public Schools and graduated as Valedictorian in 1964. She matriculated to Western Michigan University to earn her Bachelors of Science Degree in 1968, a first Masters Degree in Reading in 1972, and a second Masters Degree in Educational Administration in 1988. A champion of public education, her career was dedicated to countless children in primary learning.
After two years teaching at Schoolcraft Community Schools she and her first husband moved to Coldwater in 1970. It was there she spent 17 years teaching various grade levels within Coldwater Community Schools. In 1985 she moved into teaching administration where she re-opened and served Girard Elementary until 1988. From there she was assigned as administrator at Lakeland Elementary School where her legacy was cemented over the course of another 17 years.
While pursuing this 36 year career, she had terms as an assessor for the State of Michigan Administrative Assessment Center and on the Michigan Foster Care Review Board. Another affiliation included board membership on the Tri- State University Department of Education.
Her selfless concern for others and the children in her care was at the forefront well past her retirement in 2004. To every person in Coldwater that would stop her in the grocery store or on the street she always had a smile and warm hug knowing it mattered. During every outing, without fail, a shout would arise from a former student “Mrs. Franz!!” and she would laugh while gently correcting them in her later years “I’m Mrs. Wallace now.” Even at the end of life she faced it with courage, grace, and a uniquely Sharon level of preparedness, always checking in on her fellow care residents and caregivers.
She is survived by her daughter, Katherine (Lea Ann Eblin) Franz-Campos of Atlanta, GA grandson, Marc (Jacky Iniguez) Campos of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Sherry (Robert) Cook of Union City, MI; sister in law, Tressa Musselman; and the extended Musselman/Wallace families including nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Those who preceded her in death include her two brothers, Paul and Terry; her husband Jack, her husband Gene, her son Derek, and her parents.
Her presence will be irreplaceable, yet the kindness she spread to everyone in her life will be felt for generations
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