Rose Marie Sharretts

Rose Marie Sharretts, 92, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. She was a resident of the Leighton Place assisted living home. Rose Marie was born on Dec. 12, 1933 in Bloomsburg, the daughter of Frederick G. and Nellie (Wenner) Sharretts. She graduated from Bloomsburg High School, Susquehanna University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education, and Bloomsburg University where she earned a degree in special education. Starting in 1955, Rose Marie began a nearly 30-year career teaching young adults and children with intellectual disabilities. At that time, these students were not allowed in public schools, so she set up classrooms in the basements of the churches she belonged to. She taught in Gettysburg, Williamsport and Jersey Shore. She was a pioneer in special education, and helped establish Hope Enterprises and the Special Olympics in Williamsport. During the last seven years of her career, she became a steadfast advocate for the youngest of her students, spearheading a movement that finally allowed them to be mainstreamed in the public schools in Central Pennsylvania. Rose Marie loved music and the arts, and passed that love to her children. She played the piano often and sang beautifully. She lived her life in service, combated racism and contributed to many charities. Her family was so blessed to have such a loving, supportive and dynamic presence in their lives. Some of her last words to children and grandchildren gathered in her room were, “You are so beautiful to me.”

Surviving are her four children, Heather C. Allegar, of Lewisburg, Ben S. Coates, Claudia C. (Michael) Perry and Kirk C. Coates, all of Williamsport. Grandchildren surviving are Charley and Daniel Allegar, Jordan and Zane Parr, Cameron, Dylan and Ian Perry, and Shamaar, Shenique, Shanell and Kira Coates. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers she requested donations be made to her favorite charity, Shepard of the Streets 320 Park Ave. Williamsport, PA 17701 (570) 322-6538. A memorial with family will be held at the New Rosemont Cemetery in Espy, PA, at a later date.