Sharyn K. Crain

Sharyn K. Crain, 69, of Natrona Heights passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Good
Samaritan Hospice Concordia. She was born June 5, 1952 in Natrona Heights to the
late Richard J. and Mildred (Bulger) Ruediger. She was a 1970 graduate of Highlands
Highschool and a 1973 graduate of the AVH School of Radiologic Technology. Soon
after graduation she met the love of her life Robert M. Crain. Their blind date meeting
was arranged by Sharyn’s mother and her future mother-in-law Martha. This led to their
marriage in 1975 that would last 46 amazing years. Sharyn started working as an X-Ray
Tech at Falk Clinic in Oakland but soon she would leave to start a family. As a juvenile
diabetic in the 1980’s she knew having children would be a challenge. The miracle
workers at Magee Hospital enabled her to have two healthy sons. She cherished the
time raising her boys. When they reached middle school age, Sharyn went to work as a
paraprofessional for the Highlands School District. Her career spanned 26 years first as
a substitute then as full time. She worked at all levels of education in all of the district
buildings. She absolutely loved working with her teachers and her special needs
students. Sharyn had all the patience in the world in helping her students achieve the
best they could be. She just would not retire, only the advancement of her latest illness
would force her to quit the work she loved. Sharyn was a member of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Church of Guardian Angels Parish; where she was a former Christian
Mother. Sharyn had a lifetime of health challenges. In addition to juvenile diabetes, she
battled cancers during the past 20 years. Through all of her pain and treatments, she
continued to work and remain positive. She had a pure love for the simple things in life.
Sharyn loved going on vacation with her family. Her favorite places were Hershey Park,
Disney World, and Wildwood NJ. In her spare time, she enjoyed doing latch hooks to
hang in her home or give away as presents. In addition to her loving husband and best
friend Robert Crain, she is survived by her sons Douglas Crain of Natrona Heights and
Scott Crain of Morgantown WV. Also surviving is a brother Richard L. (Sandra)
Ruediger. Sharyn made the world more beautiful with her loving touch. She will be
remembered as an amazing wife, mother, mentor, and friend. From her home bible, 2
Timothy 4: 6-8 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day...”
All services for Sharyn are private. Arrangements are by Cicholski-Zidek Funeral
Home, 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688
The family requests memorial donations in Sharyn’s name be made to the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation, Western PA Chapter, 501 Martindale Street Suite 670,
Pittsburgh PA 15212 or online at www.jdrf.org/westernpa . Juvenile diabetes is an
autoimmune disease that strikes children and young adults, creating a lifetime of
challenges.