Sharon Ann Gerbasi, 81, of Ashland Ohio peacefully joined the wave of universal energy and love on April 10th, 2026.
Born on August 24th, 1944 in Cleveland, OH to Stanley & Janice Franz, she was raised in Olmsted Falls and attended Olmsted Falls High School, graduating in 1962. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she famously picked out the love of her life, Carl Anthony Gerbasi, from the communion rail. Sharon married that boy from the rail on September 19th, 1964 in Ada, Ohio. Together they welcomed their daughter Angela Renee the following year and their son Dean Christopher the next year.
Sharon studied at Bowling Green State University and completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Ohio Northern University in 1970. She and Carl settled in Ashland, OH where Sharon worked as a functional ceramic artist peddling her wares at Summer Art Shows across the state. Sharon was baptized and brought up in the Catholic faith. After a short respite from the church, she returned to her faith and became a devoted member of St. Edwards Catholic Church where she served as an officiant and took communion to the elderly. Her outreach to those individuals brought many meaningful relationships as well as a beautiful perspective on life, growing old and learning from our elders. Later in life she became a proud member of AA, where her journey deepened her compassion, broadened her awareness and strengthened her commitment to helping others. Her spiritual curiosity led her to the Tao, Meditation, Journaling, and a dedicated Qigong practice. She never stopped learning, expanding and becoming a more beautiful, grateful and well-rounded human. If she were a tree, she would be the tallest, strongest Redwood in the forest.
An artistic force of nature Sharon created beauty in every form – painting, drawing, pottery, calligraphy, jewelry and more. But her greatest art was the way she loved people. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen, valued and cherished. She left everyone she met with a memory to carry forward, not realizing that she was the true gift.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Carl, daughter Angela Greene, son Dean Gerbasi (Ronald White), sisters Rosemary Martin and Peggy Elkins, numerous beloved nieces and nephews and the blessing of her bonus families, Aurora (David) Stringer, Alexandra (Dustin) Steiskal, Jackson Thornton and Tripp Steiskal, Maxwell Stringer, Ryan (Sarah) Greene, Mallory (Eric) Coleman, Kyra Wood, Heather (Tom) Gavriluk, and an incredible volume of beloved, treasured and trusted friends and extended families.
“Love, baby – Love, that’s the secret” ~ Louis Armstrong
Please join us in celebrating the life of this amazing woman on Friday, May 22nd at Park Street Ministry Center. Visiting hours will be held from 2 – 6pm. There will be a ceremony to honor Sharon at 3pm. The family welcomes everyone to share their favorite memory or story of Sharon at this time.
Park Street Ministry Center
619 Park Street
Ashland, OH 44805
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to
Associated Charities, 240 Cleveland Ave, Ashland, OH 44805 419-281-6061
www.associatedcharities.com
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: www.heylfuneralhome.com