Sharon O'Connor

On two separate occasions, Sharon served as director of the Early Learning Center of Manassas Presbyterian Church. She also served as the kindergarten teacher at Linton Hall School. As director of the MPC Early Learning Center, she brought it to its current reputable level of competency in our community. Dana Renninger, chairperson of the Early Learning Center Board commented, 'Sharon¹s influence continues to be felt in the Early Learning Center. Her faith and vision are ever present.' Diagnosed with a brain tumor 26 months ago, Sharon continued to care for the children and teachers at the Early Learning Center of Manassas Presbyterian. She made frequent visits to be with the children even after two surgeries and radiation treatment. She was a model of fortitude and faith. A lifelong Presbyterian, she was a member of Manassas Presbyterian Church. Her love for new beginnings in people and in churches led her to take a formative role in the establishment of Pinekirk Presbyterian, a Mission of National Capital Presbytery. Sharon was known throughout our community as a leader in educating teachers and parents. The Rev. Mary Boyd Click, pastor of Manassas Presbyterian Church, frequently described the hiring of Sharon O¹Connor as director of ELC, as 'the best decision I made since becoming pastor of MPC.' Sharon O¹Connor was a tremendously giving, loving and talented educator. She always put the nurture and education of children first on her list of priorities,' comments Click. Sharon was instrumental in providing training in early childhood education for teachers, children and families. She facilitated workshops through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Sharon initiated a countywide Director¹s Forum for the exchange of ideas and information for early childhood administrators. She formed the first Parent-Teacher Organization at MPC. As a teacher at the Linton Hall School in Bristow, an independent Benedictine school for children in kindergarten through grade eight, Sharon left her mark on many young lives. Sr. Glenna Smith, O.S.B., commented, 'I really don¹t know anyone who is a better educator of young children than Sharon O¹Connor was. I always knew that our youngest children were well served under Sharon¹s care.' Sharon Janis, a colleague and parent of two kindergarten children at the Linton Hall School reflected, 'Sharon O¹Connor had a love for developing the inherent gifts in each child she taught. She maintained a developmentally appropriate classroom where children were challenged, prodded, encouraged and loved. Kindergarten for each of my two children was a year of spiritual, emotional, physical, social and educational leaps and bounds.' Although Sharon O¹Connor¹s ashes were interred alongside her brother¹s, a Presbyterian pastor in Englewood, Fla., a memorial service will be held on Sunday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. at the Manassas Presbyterian Church, located at 8201 Ashton Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Manassas Presbyterian Church Early Learning Center, 8201 Ashton Ave., Manassas, VA 20109, in memory of Sharon. Sharon is predeceased by her mother, 'Toni' McLellan, her father, Edwin Kastner and her brother, the Rev. Dan Kastner. Survivors include her husband of 35 years, K. James O¹Connor; daughter, Kaleen O¹Connor; and son, J. Roderick O¹Connor, her mother-in-law, Willie Maude O¹Connor of Manassas; one sister, Barbara Fallin of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. Sign the guestbook at http://www.potomacnews.com.