Sharon Lee Govotsos

Sharon Govotsos of Frederick, age 80, died Saturday, September 13, at Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. She was the daughter of Guy and Pearl Kelly of Frederick.

Sharon Lee Kelly Speak Govotsos lived her life taking care of those around her. Her mission in life was to create a safe and loving environment that welcomed anyone at any time. Her mission led her to serve her community as a teacher, counselor, and therapist at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Heartly House, Kindergarten teacher, and private practice Play Therapist, along with many other jobs she was proud to serve. Along with her career in service to the community, she was a dedicated volunteer in varied roles through such organizations as Children’s Advocacy Center of Washington County, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and Frederick Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Sharon’s love of children and helping others was shaped early by her family. She was adopted as an infant by Guy and Pearl Kelly of Frederick. Her sister Pixie, who was also adopted, has fond memories of going to pick up her new baby sister. As they got a little older, the family had the pleasant surprise of being blessed with a baby brother Michael, whom they were excited to “mother.” Her father was a local entrepreneur, who had Sharon and her siblings active early in the Frederick community.

Sharon had fond memories of growing up in Frederick, riding horses, skating on Culler Lake, and her activities at Calvary United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Frederick High School in 1963 and stayed active with the reunion groups and luncheons. After earning her degree at Bridgewater College, Sharon worked as a Home Economics teacher at the Maryland School for the Deaf for a few years; however, she found her real calling and her closest circle of friends teaching Kindergarten. The women she met at Yellow Springs Elementary came to be known as the Flip-Flop Girls to all. The lifelong friends shared their families, monthly lunches, and yearly trips together.

Sharon was fortunate to spend many vacations with family and friends at St. Pete Beach in Florida, one of her favorite spots, staying in the family beach front condos purchased by her
father over 50 years ago. Many road trips were taken with her son Kevin and his wife Erin. They enjoyed vacations together for years, playing games, taking in the sites, and just loving being in each other’s company.

Her love of children was focused on her niece, nephews and her granddaughters, Abby and Morgan. Time spent with her granddaughters was some of the most important and special
moments in her life.

In her retirement, she enjoyed watching the birds, particularly the hummingbirds; playing cards with the Flip-Flop Girls; crafting; reading; and visiting her neighbors in Homewood.

Sharon will be sorely missed by her son Kevin, sister, Pixie, children, Michele and Chris, and granddaughter Abby; her brother Mike, his wife Candy, and son Mike Jr. and wife Rebecca; her son Kevin and wife Erin; her granddaughters, Abby and Morgan; and her goddaughter, Mia.

Visiting time will be Monday, September 22 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home. Service will be Tuesday, September 23 at 11:00am at the funeral home with interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.