KINGSTON TWP. — For many years Sharon Cosgrove was a dedicated member of staff at the pre-school program at Trucksville United Methodist Church. In her memory, the board of directors at Trucksville’s Early Childhood Education Center will plant a flowering dogwood tree on the church property, along with a plaque noting her years of service.
The tree will be dedicated during the school’s annual ice cream social, which will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23. The dedication ceremony will take place at 2:45 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
Cosgrove was hired in 1991 to teach the 4/5-year-old program at what was then Trucksville Nursery School. She brought a love of learning and excitement to her classrooms. Always smiling and caring, she created a warm and encouraging environment for everyone who passed through her door, children and parents alike.
In 1994 Cosgrove was hired as director of the school, a position she held until 2009. For 15 years, under her guidance, the school grew. She was a part of the expansion building committee, formed in the late ’90s, and played a key role in helping raise funds for the new educational wing, which was dedicated in 2001.
In particular Cosgrove loved science and nature and fostered that love in her students. She helped plan and develop the school’s butterfly garden, which flourishes today. Those of at the school who worked with Cosgrove fondly remember the butterfly release each year, when the newly hatched monarchs were let go into the sky above to begin their 2,000 mile journey to winter in Mexico.
After she retired Cosgrove spent time with the special people in her life — her family — but became ill and passed away on June 30, 2015.
The board is raising money for the tree and memorial plaque, with any residual money being given to the school’s scholarship fund. Anyone wishing to contribute can send donations to Trucksville UM Church, 40 Knob Hill Road, Trucksville PA 18708.
