Ramona Sancho

Celebrating the Life of Ramona Edith Reed Sancho 1950 - 2019 On June 11, 2019, Ramona Edith Reed Sancho passed away in Akron, Ohio surrounded by her family. Fondly called Mona, she will be sorely missed by family and friends. Born November 9, 1950 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Raymond and Jean Reed. Mona was the second of five girls and had a happy childhood in a loving community of family and friends. Her father, Raymond Reed was a cobbler, and owned a shoe repair shop that was connected to the residence. Her mother, Jean Littlejohn Reed, worked as a seamstress who taught her to sew. While Mona was admired for her creative and beautiful sewing projects, she was also devoted to the care of her mother who moved to the Cleveland area in later years. She transported her mother to various family events throughout the United States. Mona attended Philadelphia Public Schools and graduated from the college prep program at Overbrook High School in 1968. During her educational experiences at Overbrook, Mona's love for veterinarian studies blossomed. She worked at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital for a brief time and then in 1971, she enrolled in college at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, majoring in Biology. She pledged Chi Beta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 1973 and married international student, William B. Sancho in 1974. Mona graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education and was contracted with Cleveland Public Schools to teach middle school science. In 1981 she took a leave of absence and moved to Liberia, West Africa and worked for the LAMCO International School in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County and taught middle school science. Following the birth of her son, Billy, she returned to the United States and resettled in Cleveland resuming employment as a Biology teacher with Cleveland schools. Mona's love for science was evident in her teaching practices. She was committed to hands-on teaching and included labs and technology in all of her classes: honors and regular science. One popular lesson plan she co-researched and co-created was Zipping through Cleveland, with colleague, Connie Smith. Zipping through Cleveland became a major laboratory experiment used in Cleveland secondary schools. Mona's influence to the CPS science curriculum also involved professional development training for science teachers. She earned her Master's Degree in Science Education and certification in Gifted Studies. She retired from Glenville High School in 2010. Throughout her years, Mona was devoted to family, American and Liberian. She used her resources of time, talent, and treasure to help others. She liked reading, nature and soul music. She loved the Lord and was baptized at University Church of Christ in 2001. She opened her home and her heart offering those in need a place to stay. For many years, she hosted the annual Reed family Thanksgiving dinner. The food, fun, and good times will always be treasured. She is survived by her husband, William; by her children: Willia 'Pinky' (Jimmie) Hart, Raymond (Karen) Sancho, William 'Billy' Sancho, and Myeisha Sancho; by grandchildren: Gabriella 'Gabby' Hart, Marie Hart, Christian Hart, Devani 'Dede' Hawghton, Romario Sancho, Aiza Sancho-Gales, Gabriel Martin, Raymond Sancho Jr., Willia 'Liah' Harris-Sancho and Roman Sancho; by sisters: Cheryl (Robert) Marcus, Tanya Reed, and soror Geraldine Hurns and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral Arrangements: Wake: Friday June 21, 2019 4-8p.m. Hummel Funeral Home 3475 Copley Road Copley, Ohio 44321 Funeral Service: Celebration of Life Saturday June 22, 2019 11a.m. Grace Church 754 Ghent Road Fairlawn, OH 44333 Repass: Our Lady of the Cedars 507 S Cleveland/Massillon Road Fairlawn, OH 44333