Sharon Dell Zippel

Sharon Dell Zippel , 85, passed peacefully on Monday, May 30th at her home in Jacksonville, Florida after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.

Sharon was born to Lloyd Shirley and Gwendolyn Frahs on December 30, 1936, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She grew up with 5 siblings, Terry, Jack, Dale, Marlene, and Sandy.

Sharon met her husband, Raymond at the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Fl. and married him in 1953 where they raised their six children.  Sharon and Ray are examples what sacrifice, and hard work could accomplish.  Sharon was the matriarch of the family that grew to 14 grandchildren and 12 great and great-great grandchildren.  She was never happier than when surrounded by family during gatherings at home in Jacksonville.  She was employed by Alice Haney, Browning Transportation and St. Johns County where she was a school bus driver for 45 plus years.  Sharon loved to shop, sew, embroider, crafts along with wood working and refinishing old furniture.  In addition, she loved her tree house and sliding down the slide, being a mother, swim, baseball, and softball coach and an avid Harry Potter fan.   Most of all she loved teaching, mentoring, and helping others succeed in life.  Sharon was a tenacious and persistent individual in all aspects of her life which showed and was admired by all.  Her favorite pets were, Puffy, Brandy, Jody, Claude, Tinker, Wiz, Chip, Sassy, and Pepper.

Sharon Dell Zippel was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grand & Great Grand Mother who was blessed with the passion for life and loving spirit for all.  Her heart so big and caring, there was a loving piece for everyone and more.  Her beauty inside and outside for all was admired, respected and most of all deserved.  Our love for her will never fade.

Sharon is survived by her husband Raymond Zippel, her children; Lynn McCarthy (Nelson), David Zippel, Debra Carter, Randolph Zippel (Jane), Larry Zippel (Teri), Lori Willard (David), 14 grandchildren and 12 great and great-great grandchildren as well as several niece & nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd & Gwendolyn Frahs, all five of her siblings and a Grandson Eric Zippel.

Following cremation, a private family celebration of life will be held June 18th officiated by Pastor Todd Hickox.