Beloved Crossing Guard Succumbs to Breast Cancer

A beloved crossing guard who spent more than two decades looking after the Glendora community's children on their way to and from school succumbed to cancer this past weekend.

Sharon Lee Kirscht (nee Whartnaby) died Saturday. She was 64 years old.

Mrs. Kirscht served as crossing guard at the corner of Glendora's Station and Melvin avenues for 26 years. She became extremely well-known and respected by children and parents alike over the years.

Her battle with breast cancer left Mrs. Kirscht fragile, forcing her to retire after the 2009-10 school year.

A Philadelphia Inquirer columnist profiled Mrs. Kirscht last October, shortly after the township honored her for her years of service to the Glendora community.

Mrs. Kirscht, a Cinnaminson native who moved to Gloucester Township 40 some years ago, told the Inquirer she couldn't stay away once the 2010-11 school year began.

"You watch them grow up," she said. "You become a second mom to some."

Mrs. Kirscht's daughter, Jennifer Lansberry, took over her duties at Station and Melvin avenues following her retirement, according to Gloucester Township Police Chief W. Harry Earle.

The chief once headed the department's traffic safety unit, which meant he supervised the township's crossing guards. He fondly recalled Mrs. Kirscht's passion for her job.

"She was extremely dedicated. And I say this about all of the crossing guards, but I'll say this about Sharon particularly—they really care about the children," he said.

Mrs. Kirscht is survived by her husband, Lee; sister Maureen Lux; son Michael and his wife, Jenifer Rose; son Matthew and his wife, Kathy; and daughter Jennifer and her partner, Don.

Viewings will be held at Earle Funeral Home, in Blackwood, from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home following Thursday's viewing.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery, in Chews Landing.

The Kirscht family asks that memorial donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ.