Sharyce Secondo
May 6, 1950 – January 5, 2026
Sharyce Secondo of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a life rich with love, laughter, and care for others. Born on May 6, 1950, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Sharyce was independent and spirited from a young age—working at Hecht’s department store and living on her own while attending George C. Marshall High School. She graduated in 1970, having already met the love of her life, Larry Secondo.
Larry and Sharyce became engaged on Christmas Eve in 1971 and were married on April 8, 1972, at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. A surprise spring snowstorm the night before their wedding made the day unforgettable and set the tone for a marriage filled with joy, resilience, and plenty of stories. They shared 53 beautiful years together.
In their early years, Sharyce and Larry loved camping adventures and lively evenings of square dancing. Her mother, Ruth, lovingly made all of Sharyce’s dancing dresses—including her wedding gown—each stitch reflecting the family love that surrounded her. Sharyce was a talented crafter, known for paper quilling, layered paper art, and wreath making, but cooking and baking were her truest creative outlet. Feeding people was her love language. If you were lucky enough to receive one of her home-cooked meals or a treasured tin of homemade fudge at the holidays, you knew you were deeply loved.
Sharyce poured her heart into creating a warm and welcoming home. After working at Equifax, she became a devoted stay-at-home mother following the birth of her first daughter, Carrie, in December 1975. She also opened her home to neighborhood children as a trusted in-home childcare provider. In 1978, the family moved to Pimmit Hills, where their second daughter, Laura, was born in the fall of 1979. Sharyce continued caring for children well into the early 1990s before joining Fairfax County Public Schools as a Food Service Manager—still caring for kids every day, now as their joyful and much-loved lunch lady.
After retiring from Fairfax County Public Schools in the summer of 2012, Sharyce embraced time with her grandchildren, family gatherings, and travel. She found her greatest joy in the everyday moments—laughter around the table, time with animals she adored, and being present for the people she loved most.
Sharyce was the beloved wife of Larry Secondo; a devoted mother to Carrie Secondo Lake (John) and Laura Beth Colter (Carlton); and a proud and adoring grandmother to Nathan and Avery Lake, and Lionel and Henry Colter. She is also survived by her sister, Dinah Miller (John), and brothers Joel Smith (Linda) and Scott Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ruth Smith, and her youngest brother, Todd Smith (Mary).
Sharyce’s life was a beautiful reminder that love is shown through presence, generosity, and care. Her laughter, kindness, and steady warmth live on in every meal shared, every story told, and every life she touched.