Sharon Lee Paine

Sharon Lee Paine, 80, a beloved sister, aunt, devoted educator and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 8th at her home in Wenatchee. Born in Annapolis, Maryland on January 2, 1945 to World War II Navy veterans Robert Lee Paine and Katherine J. Paine (née Saganetti), Sharon grew up in her dad’s hometown Wenatchee, Washington. Sharon was a graduate of Wenatchee High School (‘63). She was the first in her family to pursue a college education, majoring in English, with a minor in Physical Education at Western Washington College. A lifelong learner, she later earned a library credential and eventually a Master of Library Science from the University of Washington. During her 30-year career in education, Sharon served as an English teacher, a librarian, and coach for girls’ sports teams at Orchard Middle School and her alma mater, WHS. She was known for her kind, encouraging approach and generous spirit. In retirement, she continued to support and mentor the next generation as a substitute teacher and official scorekeeper for WHS boys’ and girls’ basketball and volleyball – all the way through this past season. She reveled in the WHS girls’ volleyball team winning the state title in 2023! Sharon had a giving heart and supported countless clubs and organizations including: · Sons and Daughters of Italian-Americans · St. Joseph Catholic Church · North Central Washington Quilt Guild · Library and Teacher Associations Most recently, her philanthropy expanded to the Apple Blossom Festival, where Sharon was responsible for recruiting the strawberry cutters for the Funnel Cake food fair stand over the last 12 years. She was proud of her involvement and the meaningful work she and the volunteers did. Her efforts helped raise over $1,000,000 for scholarships benefiting local high school students enrolling at Wenatchee Valley College. She leaves behind three brothers, Bob (Nita), Ed (Tonnea), and Tom (Holly); five nephews, Lance (Tree), Benjamin (Bernadette), Scott (Courtney), Jaden, and Dylan; and five great-nieces, Lux, Sadie, Lucie, Quinn, and Addison. A graveside ceremony is scheduled for April 11th at 11 am at the Wenatchee Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at Highlander Golf Club at 12:30 pm for those who wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, and to honor her memory, please consider a donation to the Sharon Paine Scholarship, which has been established at the Community Foundation of North Central Washington to support local students enrolling in a culinary arts program – www.cfncw.org Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee. WA.

Tributes

Sharon Lee Paine

January 2, 1945 - March 8, 2025