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Sharon Eileen (Wood) Poehlein, 73, died of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) on May 4th at the Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center in Arlington, VA. Sharon was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and she lived with Gary, her husband of 54 years, in Alexandria, VA. Sharon and Gary moved to the Washington area from Atlanta in 1996 when Gary accepted a position with the National Science Foundation. She lived in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania prior to moving to Atlanta in 1978.
Sharon Poehlein studied home economics at Purdue University and spent her life as a homemaker and mother. She was an active volunteer at Gadsby's Tavern Museum in Alexandria, in Rebuilding Alexandria, and in her housing unit, Old Town Village. Sharon was an avid tennis player and biker, being an early member of the local 'Babes on Bikes' group. She was a member of the Washington Street United Methodist Church.
Beloved wife of Gary Poehlein, she is survived by one son, Steven, of Doylestown, PA and two daughters, Sandra Red and Valorie Poehlein, both of the Atlanta area. She was preceded in death by one son Timothy. Sharon has four grandchildren and many close friends in all the places she has lived.
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May 19, 2012
Gary where are so sorry to hear about Sharon. You have are deepest sympathy.
Jackie and Ronnie Bayak Bethlehem, Pa.
May 19, 2012
Jackie and Ronnie Bayak
Gary, where so sorry to hear about Sharon.Our deepest sympathy.
May 19, 2012
Dave, Ralph, and John
Gary
We're so sorry for your loss. Our prayers to you and your family.
Dave Alvey
Ralph Ziegler
John Voges
May 13, 2012
Joan Britt
Sharon and I rode our first century together along with other members of Babes on Bikes in October 1999. We shared a room that night at Jennifer Hammer's beach house. We rode many more miles together, including several other centuries.
Sharon and I reminisced a bit when I visited her twice in the last few months. We recalled the time when the two of us were biking with a group of guys in the Sea Gull Century. One guy could not keep up with the rest of the group and kept telling the others to "slow down and wait for the women" even though we were having no trouble keeping up with the others. Sharon was such a strong rider with such a strong and warm personality.
I was hoping to have more time with her, as were many others. I was unable to attend her funeral because my son graduated from college at the same time. My grieving process included gathering photos and memories of biking with Sharon and posting them on flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/17971166@N03/sets/72157629669818746/
I have been thinking of Sharon a lot recently. She spoke about wondering what happens after we die. The other night I realized that now she knows.
I am so sorry that her life was cut short. The world has lost a very special person. I was impressed with all of her friends and family who came together to offer support and comfort during her illness.
May your sorrow pass quickly, but the memories remain forever.
May 12, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tonya Bayak and family
May 12, 2012
Josie Giles
To Dr. Poehlein and all of Sharon's many family members and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace during this most trying time.
May 12, 2012
Carole and George Bartman
Sharon and Gary were always together. Our hearts go out to him for the loss not only of a wife but a constant companion. Sharon was a wonderful, fun loving woman. We will miss her greatly.
May 11, 2012
Shazy, as I called her, was my first friend in Atlanta. Her bright smile, warm personality, and whimsical nature made us fast companions. She was a treasure of a woman and will always have a place in my heart.
Ron and I send our deepest sympathy to the Poehlein family on the loss of such a vibrant, active, beautiful woman. Love, Sandra and Ron Rousseau
May 10, 2012
Jennifer Weiss
Whenever I see a great blue heron, I will think of my dear friend Sharon who said on many occasions that the heron is good luck. I can hear Sharon's laugh and will hold onto that wonderful memory. We had so many fun times together, mostly on our bikes--our first century 1999, the Reston Century (which was 6 miles longer than it should've been), the covered bridges ride where Gary pulled out a bottle of wine along the way, the time you took us sailing, celebrating our birthdays together by pedaling away the miles of our ages, your big wedding anniversary party. I'll never forget what Sharon said when I saw her in the hospital in March, "You look old." Well, we did grow older together, and yes, she got robbed. I wish she could have had the 20 more years she wanted. I am so thankful that she wasn't in pain and that she got to drift away in her sleep. I feel lucky that I got to see Sharon on the last day of this life. Sharon, I'll see you in the next one dear! Save me a seat at the bar! I am so happy also to know your great family. Gary, we are going to have you over for drinks and food when you're ready.
May 7, 2012
Sharon always brought sunshine with her where ever she went. We'll miss that light. But, we'll never forget her. Our sympathy and love goes to your family at this sad time. Kathy and Neil Ryan
May 7, 2012
Jamie Hamilton
We are so sorry to hear about your loss of such a thoughtful and wonderful person. Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time. Deepest condolences.
May 7, 2012
Katherine Rosiu
I will never forget her larger than life personality or that great laugh from my childhood. Thinking of you all with fond memories and deepest sympathies.
Kate Rosiu
(Kathy Conville)
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