Sharon Ann Kendall, 68, passed away May 7, 2013 with her loving daughters by her side at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, MI, after an 8 1/2 year journey with cancer. Sharon would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who assisted along this path.

Sharon Ann Wise was born to William Wise and Eleanor Woolley Wise on June 13, 1944 at Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. She attended St. Columba Episcopal Church and began a lifelong love of singing in church choirs at 8 years old. She graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School in 1962. She attended Adrian College where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a B.A. in Music Education in 1966. She graduated from Wayne State University in 1970 with an M.Ed.

On Feb 3, 1967 she married John Robert Kendall, Jr. in Detroit, MI and they had two daughters, Kimberly Anne and Kathryn Anne. She began her teaching career in the Warren Consolidated School District in 1966 and continued teaching in the East Pointe School System, Harbor Springs Public School System and Traverse City Area Public Schools. Sharon retired in the spring of 2006 after a teaching span of 40 years and continued her love of teaching as a volunteer at Central Grade School for several years. Her genuine love of children was awe-inspiring and she believed that every child deserved a quality education no matter what the child's circumstance. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends for many years throughout North America and Europe and then reflecting upon her fun by sharing pictures and stories. She enjoyed various forms of music performance, reading, walking throughout Traverse City and playing Mah Jongg with her friends. She always enjoyed having family and friends visit from out of town as well as visiting each daughter's homes and participating in their family activities. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

She was admired by her family and friends for her strong faith, quiet dignity, sweet smile, strong spirit and beautiful heart. She has beautifully impacted the lives of countless children and has been an inspiration to all who have crossed her path.

She is survived by her daughters Kimberly Anne St. Charles (Michael) of Jackson, MI, Kathryn Anne Pekrul (Steven) of Grand Rapids, MI, grandchildren Kendall and Nicholas Stephens, Aaliyah and Zachary St Charles, and Morgan, Anna, Steven and Michael Pekrul, sister Joyce Paxton (James), nephews Karl Fortier (Laurie) and Paul Fortier (Dana), niece and nephew Danielle and Jack Fortier and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Sharon's life will be held at a memorial service at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St. Traverse City, MI on Saturday May 18 at 10 AM. Visitation with her family will occur at the church one hour prior to and one hour following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Munson Hospice House or Central Grade School Media Center.

Please sign Sharon's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . Arrangements have been made by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.