Sharon Sawitzke

Torrington - Sharon Sawitzke passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at her home.
Sharon was born in Torrington on December 30, 1942, daughter of the late Joseph Sawitzke, Jr. and Hattie A. (Leichner) Sawitzke. Survivors include cousins Ellen Leichner, Carl Leichner, Carol Leichner, Susan Sloan, Sandra Sawitzke, Richard Sawitzke, Clarence Troemel, Linda Magyar, and Robert Rentz, M.D. She also is survived by several nieces and nephews: Kathy Waters, Gus Waters, Michael Waters, Jim Waters, Julie Schoelzel, and Heather Waters. Sharon was predeceased by her sister Sheila Waters and Sheila's husband David.
Sharon was a woman of many accomplishments. She was a neurosurgical nurse at the Neurological Institute of New York at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center for several years. She then decided to return to school and earned a doctorate degree in physical anthropology from the City University of New York. Armed with her doctorate, Sharon was able to pursue her love of teaching students who were training for careers in the medical field. She taught at Quinnipiac University and was a beloved professor at the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic where she was an Associate Professor in Basic Studies. While at the University of Bridgeport, Sharon received the Dr. John J. Nugent Award chosen by the student body for her dedication to the chiropractic profession and demand for chiropractic academic excellence.
Sharon's love of teaching and nurturing students was surpassed only by her passion for rescuing and nurturing homeless kitties, many of whom found a safe haven in Sharon's loving care over the years. A message that Sharon would want to leave for everyone is to get your cats spayed or neutered to avoid the tragedy of homeless cats who have to struggle every day to survive.
Sharon had a life-long love of learning and, as such, was an avid reader especially of World War II history and of detective and espionage novels.
Sharon was also a communicant of St. Paul's Lutheran Church for many years.
Family and friends were very important to Sharon, whether she was hosting fun-filled Thanksgiving dinners for her family, going to the movies with one of her cousins, going to lunch with friends, going to dinner with her favorite uncle, or keeping in contact by phone with close friends over the years. Sharon was a kind, interesting, and independent woman who was loved by and will be missed very much by her family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, 76 Walnut Street, Torrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to an animal rescue organization or shelter of the donor's choice or to the Salvation Army (give.salvationarmyusa.org).
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