Longtime Peru Physical Education Teacher Passes Away
Peru – Sharon L. Gruendling, 72, formerly of Lakeshore Drive, Willsboro, and Marco Island, Florida, died Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, following a courageous battle with cancer, with her loving family by her side. Sharon was currently residing with her daughter and family on Route 22B in Peru.
She was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, July 24, 1941, the daughter of John and Gertrude (Quinn) Menzie. She grew up in Lawrence and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School, and later from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Sharon was a physical education teacher at Long Meadow High School in Long Meadow, Massachusetts, Otter River High School in Durham, New Hampshire, and lastly Peru Central School where she also coached from 1970 until 1999.
Sharon started the swim team, coached field hockey, basketball, and softball. Her swim teams compiled a dual meet record of 90-1 over eight seasons, with eight CVAC championships and seven sectional titles. In softball, the Indians won 18 CVAC championships, eight sectional and four regional titles while compiling a 315-61 record. As a basketball coach, Gruendling’s teams compiled a 146-51 record while winning CVAC and sectional titles in 1998. Her field hockey teams in the 1970’s won six league and three sectional championships.
During her retirement, she assisted at the Westport Golf Club, and assisted in coaching her granddaughter’s youth commission sports teams as well as assisting with the modified softball team. She was inducted into the Peru High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Coach Gruendling inspired so many athletes and helped so many people in our community. She taught the importance of making commitments, striving for success, and to always put your best foot forward. Her continuous positive attitude, dedication, and hard work has shown through the many students and athletes she coached and she lived this to the end of her life.
Survivors include her loving daughters, Karen Marie Bouchard Braun and husband Francisco Braun, and Kristina Lynne Gruendling; beloved granddaughter, Sierra Antonine Bouchard; brother, John Menzie, Jr. and his wife Kristine; former husband and friend, Gerhard Gruendling; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2014 from 5 to 7 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.
Coach Gruendling’s spirit “bled white and blue”, so her family request donations in her memory may be made to the Peru Varsity Club.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. 643-9055.
Posted: January 31st, 2014 under Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments
Comment from michelle malott
Time January 31, 2014 at 6:44 pm
You will be missed you were my favorite teacher in school
Comment from katie bradford
Time January 31, 2014 at 8:43 pm
Thoughts and Prayer for the Gruendling family during their time of loss. Rest in Peace Coach Gruendling.
Comment from Meredith McCarthy
Time January 31, 2014 at 9:49 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She was an amazing coach and teacher.
Comment from Theresa Arnold
Time January 31, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Rest in Peace Coach….we remember your love for sports and for Peru Central…
Comment from Lori Brandmeier
Time January 31, 2014 at 10:23 pm
R.I.P Coach Gruendling…prayers to your family. Please know that not only did you make a HUGE difference in my life, but you always encouraged confidence and pushed when you knew we your “girls” could always go the distance. You will be missed dearly!!
Comment from Nancy Terrell
Time February 1, 2014 at 8:16 am
Rest in peace Coach. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me. Your spirit and love for athletics at Peru will continue to reign through the halls. God speedcoach, you will always be remembered!
Comment from Tracy Lavalliere
Time February 1, 2014 at 3:18 pm
I remember how nice she was to a less than athletically-inclined student. She was the person who encouraged me to join the track and field team letting me know that it was not as important to win as to participate. God bless you, Coach and my condolences to your family as well.
Comment from Dawn Bronson (Covel)
Time February 2, 2014 at 12:19 pm
God bless you Coach Gruendling! Thank you for all the support and direction when I needed it most. I have so many fond memories on the court and out on the field. You taught me so many lesson and find myself often thinking of you. Karen I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. God bless you and your family.
Comment from Frank & Ann Marie Convey
Time February 2, 2014 at 12:57 pm
We are saddened by the news of Sharron Gruendling’s passing. As former Peru residents, our children were influenced positively by the tutelage that coach Gruendling provided as their coach as well as their association with her in the community. We send our condolences to her immediate and extended family.
Frank & Ann Marie Convey
Dayton, OH
Comment from Sharon Furnia Gisclair
Time February 3, 2014 at 2:22 pm
She certainly was an outstanding coach and wonderful person. Let her legacy live on. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Comment from Sandra Gagnier
Time January 31, 2014 at 6:18 pm
Rest in Peace, Sharon! I know you will be missed by many!