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BORN
1951
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Sheryl Poggi Obituary
Springfield, IL—It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away after living a very healthy life for 66 years. Never smoked, drank, or took a drug; ate healthy, yet could have exercised more. Then in April 2017, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and after 4 months, I am gone. Everyone knows death will happen one day but few want to hear, much less experience it. In my case, I started planning for my death while I was still healthy. I strongly recommend that everyone do that – plan on your own terms.
And while on that subject (the story of my life)… on March 27, 1951 my parents (Joyce V. and William O. Sandage, both deceased) and four of my older siblings (Diana Dexheimer (deceased) married to Jerry, William D. Sandage, Gary M. Sandage married to Judith, and Donald W. Sandage celebrated my birth. Douglas Sandage, my younger brother, arrived six years after me but passed away 2 years before me.
As a child I attended McClernand Elementary School where teachers like Mrs. Underdown, Mrs. Simpson and Mrs. Martin, along with my mother, planted the seed that eventually led me to the field of education. From there, I attended Edison Junior High School and Lanphier High School. College was the logical next step where I graduated with an elementary teaching degree and master's degree in elementary school counseling. I will be forever grateful to the Henry Bunn Memorial Scholarship Fund for their support in furthering my education. I joined the Illinois State Board of Education where I had the good fortune to begin and support many programs that touched the lives of thousands of other educators. Among these were Summer Bridges, educator-in-residence, and the first system of support for districts and schools with low performance. In 2003, I retired after 30 years and started consulting for the next fourteen years with the North Central Region Education Laboratory, The America Institute for Research, the Ohio Department of Education, the U. S. Virgin Islands and the Illinois Center for School Improvement.
Of course, during this long educational career, many other important experiences occurred in my life. The memories I'm taking with me now are so precious and have more value than all the work I produced with great satisfaction.
Memories … where do I begin? Well, I remember my Mother as the perfect parent; I remember my older sister and I spilling a bottle of Clorox on our newly purchased blue and red tennis shoes, hoping we wouldn't get in trouble – we didn't; I remember my older brother taking care of my younger brother while he was battling cancer; I remember my other older brother as the consummate stay at home child who ended up traveling the world; I remember sewing clothes for the two girls when they were small; I remember grandmother Plowman wringing a chicken's neck for Sunday dinner.
I married my husband, Don, on December 30, 1975 and from that day on I was proud to be the parents of Michael (Mary), Barbara (Danny Coffey), Mark (Kimm), Molly (Orlando Medina), Rick and Daniel (Tracy). My greatest treasures call me Nana. Michael Coffey (deceased), Jennifer Coffey-Lott, Brett Coffey, April, Hannah, Hunter, and Alexis (all Poggis), Sarah Ruzicka and Tim Phillips have enriched my life more than words can say. They're treasures that are irreplaceable and will go with me wherever my journey takes me.
So … I was born; I blinked; and now on to the next transformation.
No buildings or streets named after me; but we do have a lovely family monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery across from Lincoln's Tomb that was family planned if you would like to drop by sometime. I did have the chance to work with amazing people and know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be?
So in the end, remember… always do your best; set and follow high standards; balance your heart and mind in making decisions, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop learning.
I'll leave you with this…Life is not forever, love is.
Private Graveside services will be held.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sheryl Poggi
Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.
Jo Hannah Ward
August 21, 2022
Remembering you Cheryl! You were a life force and light that guided great educational systems change for the State of Ohio. It was your knowledge and skills and leadership that support our teams in the redesign and development of one of the longest standing initiatives. Our regional support systems and the Ohio Improvement Process! over 400 + districts across our state use this model and man other states have inquired with Ohio to build similar processes, so it has spread across the country! at least ten other states have similar models! For that your legacy lives on! helping millions of school children reach success! thank you!
Fred W Frank
May 6, 2021
I never knew Sheryl I did know her sister Diana and het husband Jerry for whom I worked I remember her Mom coming in to downtown Thrifty where I worked in the 70s What a beautiful thing to prepare and publish while she was able to My condolences to the Poggi Sandage Dexheimer families
Barbara Sartain
September 2, 2017
One of the greatest educators I have ever known. We worked together closely for a number of years to improve middle schools, just one of her many efforts. Sheryl, rest in peace and know that you are loved!
September 2, 2017
Family of Sheryl Poggi,
I first met Sheryl through an association with her mother, Joyce Sandage, at McClernand Elementary School and from the State Board of Education. During my years of knowing her, it was easy to recognize what passion Sheryl had for education. More importantly was her loving role as a daughter and care taker for her ageing mother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you find peace in the many memories Sheryl has left you with.
Blessings, Karen and Nonnie Osburn
Jo Hannah Ward
August 31, 2017
Dear Poggi family, So sorry for your loss. Sheryl was a wonderful, caring dedicated person. She had a passion for education, improvement and helping others succeed. She was instrumental in supporting Ohio with building a foundation systems improvement process structure for schools and districts. Her guidance, support and work will live on through Ohios improvement system for education. Prayers,Jo Hannah Ward
Mark Mitchell
August 31, 2017
There are people who enter our lives and make an indelible mark on how you approach life and work. Sheryl was one of a handful of people in my 60 years who truly inspired me through her unrelenting hard work and generous nature.
Sheryl worked for years with Claudette Rasmussen, me, and Ohio Department of Education staff to design and implement a system-wide improvement process for districts and schools in Ohio. Many of the district and school staffs across the nearly 1,000 districts in Ohio will not know of Sheryl's significant contribution to continuous improvement, but for Sheryl recognition was never the point. She was guided by a higher purpose and was unfailingly generous of her time and talent.
I am saddened by her passing, but at the same time feel incredibly lucky and honored to have worked with her.
My condolence go out to the family; she was a remarkable person.
Mark Mitchell
Barbara Thomas
August 30, 2017
Gone but not forgotten. EIR
Amy R.
August 29, 2017
I worked with Sheryl on a large project, and her warm, funny personality came through so strongly, even via email. We eventually met in person, and it was like bumping into an old friend. I hope her family can find comfort in her words. Rest in peace, Sheryl.
August 28, 2017
Brilliant! And she was born the day before me.
Dennis Williams
August 28, 2017
What a wonderful final gift Sheryl gave to her friends and family, who will always keep her memory in their hearts. Sheryl hired me at the Illinois State Board of Education over 25 years ago and was an outstanding mentor and role model. Her work ethics were exceptional and her passionate dedication to the field of education unsurpassed. It is not surprising to me that she tended to every detail at the end of her life. Though Sheryl never knew it, our colleague Ann Heelen did the same exact thing and I have followed in those footsteps with my own arrangements. Sheryl taught us much about living for which I am forever thankful.
May her family find solace in knowing that Sheryl has completed her work here and moved on - as we all will do.
Sue Zake
August 28, 2017
My condolences to the Poggi family. She spoke of all of you with such love and pride. I will always remember Sheryl for her quick mind, her caring soul and unwavering belief and commitment to making a quality education happen for all children.
Donna Neathery
August 28, 2017
I did not know Sheryl, but I admire her for writing her own life story and for sharing the belief that it is love that always survives.
--Donna Neathery
Therese Martin-Weitekamp
August 28, 2017
Dan and Tracy - I am so sad for you and your family. I did not know your Mother, but I just read her Life Story, written in her own words and expressed with her own views, and she sounds like she was an amazing woman. My heart goes out to you. Prayers for your and your family.
Jane Sadinski
August 28, 2017
Sheryl was so important to me; She was a great mentor and I will miss her in so many ways.
M Cowden
August 28, 2017
Wishing peace and comfort for Sheryl's family and friends. We never met, but her obituary shows what a terrific educator she was. Even after her passing, we are learning from her that a successful person is one who loves often and much. She valued relationships over things. I admire her sense of purpose and humor, and her willingness to share with everyone. May she rest in peace.
Anonymous
August 28, 2017
Thank you for such a wonderful life story,may the Lord offer comfort.
Denise Petrilli
August 28, 2017
You are in my prayers, Sheryl
August 28, 2017
Rest in peace, Nana Sheryl. Betsy (Bennett) Squires
August 27, 2017
Sending our Sympathy to Sheryl Family, Prayers for you all.Judy Wheeler
Karen lenkart
August 27, 2017
Still an educator in your passing. Have never met you in this life but wish I had. Your friends and family were so lucky to have you. I am glad I picked up e newspaper. You are an inspiration. Peace to all who loved her.
Karen Shaw
August 27, 2017
I didn't know this wonderful woman, but regret that I did not. What a wonderful obituary!
Linda Bryant
August 27, 2017
Rest In Peace, Sheryl.
Dr. Sandy Ellis
August 27, 2017
May God continue to bless your family during this very difficult time. I worked with Sheryl at the Illinois State Board of Education from 1990 to 1994 and traveled thousands of miles with Sheryl and our team while assisting Accelerated, Middle and Essential School's Network educators. Sheryl's Mom was everyone's Mom. She served as Sheryl's inspiration. I last saw Sheryl at Springfield First while she was taking care of her mother during a medical visit. Little did I know it would be my last time to see a former colleague. Sheryl was a visionary, an advanced planner, an explorer of best practices and hard worker. May she rest in peace and continue to transform others with her inspiration.
Vicki Saulsbery
August 27, 2017
What a wonderful tribute. I have never met Sheryl but wish I had. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kathy Kettle
August 27, 2017
Sheryl, you are one of the finest educators and people I have ever met. Your knowledge and dedication to students, teachers and community was unmatched, and I am proud to have been able to work with you and call you my friend. Your energy and spirit remains in all the lives your work and your kindness touched. Rest in Peace!
Susan
August 27, 2017
To the family & loved ones
This is the most beautiful life tribute I have ever read. Sheryl and I never met. After taking her words in, I realized I knew her in so many ways now. God be with all of you.
Kelly Gilbert
August 27, 2017
Sheryl, you were a privilege to work with. May you Rest In Peace as you are joined with all your family and friends who have gone before you. Thank you for being a mentor, friend and colleague. God Speeed, Sheryl.
Marvin Cohnen
August 27, 2017
My prayers to the family so sorry for your loss .went to school with her at LanphierHS
August 27, 2017
To Sheryl's Loved Ones - she obviously was a treasure to all. I admire that she chose such a wonderful way to describe her life. I also have done that as well - but not so eloquently. We went to high school together, but with 300+ in our graduating class, it was hard to know everyone. I am so happy that she had such a good life and really pained that she did all the right things and still ended with this dreadful disease. Blessings to all.
August 27, 2017
Rest in peace, Sheryl. I remember our time together at Lanphier High. Sending condolences to the family.
Pat Stapleton
August 27, 2017
My sympahies to the family. I did not know Sheryl, but as a fellow educator I admire her creativeness. I am sure I would have enjoyed working with her a lot. RIP.
Pammy McGee
August 27, 2017
I do not know you or your family. But I love your words. Your family may miss you but I know you will be looking down after them
Deb Martin
August 27, 2017
I have never met the woman Who wrote this Obituary, but I wish I had after reading it. She had a very full life and clearly recognized that love and family is still what makes it worthwhile. Writing her own obituary is genius in my book and something I am now going to do and encourage others to do as well. Thank you Sheryl for all that you have given to others in this world as I am sure you will continue to do in the new one. Thank you!
Tammy Mort
August 27, 2017
Love and Light to her family and friends.. Her obituary just kind of hit home with me.. Tammy
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