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Sharon Elizabeth Starkey

1946 - 2024

Sharon Elizabeth Starkey obituary, 1946-2024, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1946

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sharon Starkey Obituary

Starkey
Sharon Elizabeth Starkey
July 4, 1946
April 19, 2024

On April 19th, 2024, at the age of 77, our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Sharon Elizabeth (Kearney) Starkey, passed away peacefully after a 48-year battle with Hepatitis C, Liver cancer, Hepatic Encephalopathy, and finally Acute Liver failure. She lived a beautiful life, filled with love, laughter, family, friends and faith... and lots and lots of dogs!
Sharon was the matriarch of our family - a devoted wife to Neal for 55 years, a loving mother to Tracie Lyn and Mitchell Neal, and the most wonderful "Honey" to her four grandchildren: Cale Travis Cormaney (21), Carsyn Elizabeth Cormaney (18), Anna Elizabeth Starkey (17), and Katherine Grace Starkey (13).
Sharon Elizabeth Starkey was born on July 4, 1946, to Richard and Betty Kearney (both deceased) in Pueblo, CO. Sharon was the youngest of the kids with two older brothers... Rick Kearney, an Air Force Veteran (deceased) and Jim Kearney, a Navy Veteran living in Orange, CA. After graduating from Pueblo's Central High School in 1964, she followed her brothers to the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In 1968, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy. During this time, she would meet the love of her life and husband-to-be, Neal Starkey, on a blind date at a USAF Academy formal dance. Neal and Sharon were married on June 10, 1968, and would be married for 55 years. This love story will be one for the ages...
Sharon's passion was teaching and children! Her entire life was dedicated to her own children, her four grandchildren and the thousands of children she taught over her 34+ years in education.
Sharon began her teaching career at John Adams Elementary in Colorado Springs School District 11, in August of 1968. Her teaching career included positions at Adams Elementary, Carver Elementary, Keller Elementary, and Scott Elementary. She was a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, a Gifted-and-Talented Coordinator, and a Building Resource Teacher.
When she retired from her illustrious teaching career, she worked with the Advanced Learning Program (ALP) where she mentored new teachers for many years, while being a full-time volunteer in the classrooms of her four grandchildren.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Neal Starkey, their two children: Tracie (Travis) Cormaney of Colorado Springs, and Mitchell (Laura) Starkey of Colorado Springs, her four grandchildren: Cale, Carsyn, Anna and Katie... all of Colorado Springs, plus her older brother, Jim Kearney of Orange, CA.
Sharon's passion for life, love for her family, and footprint on education across Southern Colorado will never be forgotten. Sharon's smile and spirit will live forever in the thousands of hearts of the people she has impacted- Everyone loved HONEY!
Sharon's celebration of life will be on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 10:00am at Swan-Law Funeral Home, located at 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903... with interment following immediately at the United States Air Force Academy cemetery.
An informal reception will follow at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 1307 Republic Drive, in Colorado Springs, CO, 80921.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Apr. 28, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Starkey

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Barbara Geertsema

December 19, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss, dear family. We shared so many years and fond memories together. My Jim passed this June after a long battle with Parkinson´s. I am so sorry I have not been in contact. My deepest regrets. Much love to the family.

Donette Popovich

May 10, 2024

Please know that your family are in our thoughts & prayers! We loved your mom so much & have so many memories of football games & wrestling tournaments! I understand so much your grief. We lost Tom 2 years ago. Please let us know if you need anything. Love the Popovich family

John and Patty Ellis

May 2, 2024

Dear Neal, Patty and I are so sorry for your loss. We remember seeing Sharon and talking to her in Arnold Hall...and at a couple of our reunions. We were immediately struck by her kindness and sweet soul. It is no wonder that she became such a beloved teacher, mother and grandmother. Our thoughts are with you.

Jenea

May 2, 2024

Sending my deepest condolences to Mrs. Starkey´s family and friends. She was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Keller. She truly was the best teacher I ever had. Her stories about her dogs and family I still remember today, like her dog prancing behind a deer that was prancing across a field. She was such a loving and caring teacher, we all loved being in her class. She promised she would never yell at us or she would quit teaching, and she never did. That environment and relationships she built is why we loved learning. She made a forever impact on me, and I´m 38 years old now! Sending hugs and love.

Kristy Helm

May 1, 2024

My deepest condolences to your family. Mrs. Starkey was my 3rd grade and 5th grade teacher at Keller Elementary. At that time she was teamed up with Mrs. Donna Priester. What a pair of amazing teachers. They brought join to wveryone that was in their classroom as well as anyone at Keller. Heaven has definitely welcomed another Angel to the team.

Barbara liontas

May 1, 2024

Dear Neil. Barbara Liontas here telling you how sorry I am at Sharon´s passing. She was truly a lovely lady. We all fell in love with her when you first brought her to the Academy as a date. Will never forget her smile. May her memory be eternal. Barbara

Lorraine and Eli Bebout

April 29, 2024

Sharon was an incredible lady, mother, and friend. Although we did not see her as often as we would have liked, always admired her for her courage with the obstacles she had to deal with. Best to Neal and the family

Vickie Smith

April 29, 2024

Condolences to the family. I remember Miss Starkey from John Adams. She was my 5th grade teacher along with 2 other teachers. I have fond memories of that year.

Sue Cove

April 28, 2024

I loved Sharon. I worked with her at several D11 schools mostly Scott Elementary.
I still have a book from her given as a gift about friendship. An absolutely lovely lady and I know she will be missed!
Peace to her awesome family.
Sue Cove, Littleton Colorado

Dennis Caldwell

April 28, 2024

All of us at my office remember and cherish the honor of knowing and caring for Sharon. Our best to All of the family. We keep her in our hearts.
Dennis Caldwell MD

Dorothy H. Phillips

April 28, 2024

Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am deeply sorry Neal. I loved her so much and will miss our special friendship.

Jeanne Kleinman Williams

April 28, 2024

Sharon left a legacy which she lived daily. I was fortunate to be a new member of the Keller Elementary team in 1977. Meeting Sharon made my life sweet.. I can still hear her laugh and see her smile no matter the challenges she had after her diagnosis. She was a feisty one which made school wonderful for students, parents, staff, and the community.

She was definitely a warrior
in this fight against hepatitis. I remember her telling us about the diagnosis and remained positive about a cure.

When I left Keller and Sharon had leadership roles in the district, I would run into her now and then and it was always the same; as if we had seen each other yesterday. My condolences and healing thoughts go to her family and close friends who she cherished. I don´t have to say it because you know the impact she had on all of us. I am a better person for having known Sharon.

Jeanne Kleinman Williams

Pat & Nita Russell

April 26, 2024

Neal & Family-Pat & I were so sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. We were so happy to have shared time with you both during last year's USAFA class reunion. Sharon was such an outgoing & caring person. She will be greatly missed! We send you all our Love, Hugs, Kisses & Prayers Always!!! We will keep you all in our thoughts & prayers in the days & weeks to come. God Bless You Now & Forever!!!

Mary Echols

April 26, 2024

Sharon was such a very special lady and one whom I´ll never forget!! I met her when I started helping with some housekeeping in their home and was there for several years! She was such a pleasant person with always a smile on her face! One couldn´t help but love her! She was always upbeat, even when she was struggling with her health. I never heard her express a single complaint, even when she wasn´t feeling well!
I can´t say enough wonderful things about Sharon and am so glad I had the privilege to know her for several years!
She will be sorely missed for sure!
My sincere condolences to Neal, Tracy, Mitch, and all the grandchildren!
Prayers for you all during these difficult days!

Mike and Linda Cryer

April 26, 2024

Neal thanks for your friendship. We will miss "Kearney" so much. Glad I could make her smile. God be with you all.

Khi and Andy Soldano

April 25, 2024

Neal and the kids and grandkids, you are all in our prayers. We have been blessed to have Sharon and the entire Starkey family in our lives. Thank you Sharon for all the excellent advice on raising boys and for loving our dog Luke so much. You'll forever be remembered. You're an absolute inspiration. God Bless you all.

Larysa Martyniuk

April 25, 2024

My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother "Honey". May memories sustain you through this difficult time. Larysa Martyniuk

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Memorial Events
for Sharon Starkey

May

1

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

May

1

Interment

United States Air Force Academy cemetery

CO

Funeral services provided by:

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

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