Willoughby, Ohio – Sharon Marie Knotek, 71, died unexpectedly at her home. She was born July 12, 1952, in Seven Hills, Ohio, the daughter of Donald and Stella Diajean (nee Lyzwa) Knotek.
Sharon graduated from Nazareth Academy High School, Class of 1970. She then attended John Carroll University (JCU), earning Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Education degree, and a License in Social Work (LSW) there before beginning a life in service to others, working quietly and steadfastly her entire life for the betterment of others by serving in a variety of educational roles, exemplifying the JCU motto, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, For the Greater Glory of God.
She taught in Cleveland City Schools and worked for the Geauga County School system for many years in a variety of roles, including the role of Director of Operations, before retiring in 2020 as the Director of Special Education.
She was active in social, fraternal, and educational organizations and pursuits, most notably the Ohio Educational Service Center Association. As a project coordinator with the county’s educational center, she played a role in securing grant funding for Geauga Academy, an alternative school established in 1999 as a place where students slipping through the cracks at conventional high schools are given a chance to reclaim their education. She also participated in the partnership for success for the Geauga Family First Council – a collaborative, interagency organization designed to meet the diverse needs of families living within Geauga County through a unified system of services.
She will be remembered fondly for her sense of humor, fierce sense of independence, and the quiet but profound influence she had on so many of those she loved. She took the time to host sleepovers in her dorm at JCU for her little sister, exposing her to new worlds. She took her nieces and nephews to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Zoo, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Playhouse Square. She attended every school graduation and sporting event she could throughout the years and took them to see every new Harry Potter. Her life mattered, and profoundly influenced others in ways she will never know, leaving the world a better place than she found it 71 years ago.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Donnie. Surviving relatives are her sister, Stacey A. (Knotek) Novak, and her husband, of Virginia; brother, Dale Knotek, and his wife, of Ohio; three nephews, Steven M. Knotek, of North Carolina and his wife, Jonathan Knotek, of Ohio, and Patrick J. Novak, of Virginia and his wife; two nieces, Caitlin L. Novak, of Virginia, and Lauren Knotek, of Ohio; and two great nephews, Ryan Knotek and Christopher Novak.
A private service will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Orwell, OH. Those who wish to remember Sharon in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Ohio Coalition for the education of children with disabilities,ocecd@ocecd.org. 844.382.5452
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Mark Lyzwa
We were Sharon’s country-bumpkin cousins. She was my sophisticated, funny, cool, city-girl cousin. As children our family’s visited and played together. When Sharon went to college, I partied with her in Coventry village. Later we didn’t see each other nearly often enough and only exchanged greeting cards and brief correspondence. Then it’s too late…
GOD Bless you and keep you till we meet again
LOVE, Mark & JoDee Lyzwa
Crystal King-Morrison
I’m so saddened to hear this news. Sharon hired me as a intern when I was in high school. She is one of the most knowledgeable, strong and quick witted mentors I have ever had. I am honored to have worked with her for 13 years. Even after her retirement we texted a handful of times, catching up and she wrote me gloating letter of recommendation a few years back. Which I will cherish! Keeping all of her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Crystal King-Morrison
(AKA: CRK, CK-M, CK-M2.0)
Joe Cirino
I will always remember and miss you. Thank you for your acceptance and confidence you shown in me as your employer. Your humor and delivery was unique. I would laugh long after our weekly meetings. You truly made a difference in my life and I will always remember you and your spirit and our discussions about life, its struggles, and the importance of staying strong. Thank you for being our department friend.
JoAnn Ventresco
Sharon hired me into the position I have today 10+ years ago. She CRACKED ME UP! I was new at the role I was in and would call her about something I thought was the end of the world. She would just laugh and say, “What happened this time JoAnn?” and calmly handle the situation. The last day I worked with her was especially memorable as I gifted her with a quilt. While I didn’t stay in touch I was truly saddened to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace.
Sheldon H Firem
Sharon Knotek worked for special education children as a school psychologist and a special education director and supervisor at the Geauga County Educational Center. She worked in many of the local districts in Geauga County. As a co-worker, you were immediately aware of her intelligence, knowledge of the law, and focused work ethic.
Many Geauga County students are in a better educational and career place due to her administrative skills.
KIM Joanna
Sharon and I went to Nazareth Academy together Class of 1970. We lived in the same neighborhood. We became very close friends. We hung out many times just laughing at my English essays. She was my proofreader but most times she just ended rewriting it. She helped me get thru high school and college. We had many silly, laughable moments of growing up together. She was one of my bridesmaids at my wedding. We did a few vacations together and partied. I am shocked and saddened by her passing. I will miss her terribly. I didn’t get the chance to tell her I like the Clinque products she recommended. Knooty, I loved you. The Lord is holding you right now. What a great reliable long-lasting friendship we had. Thank you for being in my life.
I bet you are proof reading this now and moaning.
Connie Kuscevic
So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. Rest in peace Sharon. From the class of “Naz 70”