Deirdre Ann Englehart's Obituary
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart, age 53, dearest wife, devoted mother, loving sister, aunt, and friend, died unexpectedly on September 2nd. "Our Deirdre" was the heart and soul of the family and will be remembered by her striking green eyes, her ready laugh, her love of singing, cart-wheels on the beach, cereal, Winnie-the Pooh and all things Irish. She loved being married to Leigh and being a mother to her three children, as well as being a part of the joy and chaos of her large extended family. Her untimely passing reminds us to love with all our hearts, learn with insatiable curiosity and live as if every day was our last. Deirdre had an unrivaled children's book collection, believing there was a book for every life circumstance. Her home was a showcase for all of her and her children's crafts. The kitchen cupboards overflowed with painted glassware and coffee mugs, and she was so busy living life to the fullest, that the housework could wait. Though tiny in stature (5'1" on a good day) Deirdre kept up with her husband on the climbing walls, and as a yoga instructor, she practiced daily and always looked for an opportunity to share it's benefits with friends and family. Deirdre was a 1981 graduate of Satellite High School. She received a BA in communication from the University of Central Florida (1986), and a M.Ed. from UCF in elementary education (1995). She taught in the Orange County Public School system and was a teacher-in-residence at the Orlando Science Center. Deirdre earned a Doctorate in Education from UCF (2008) in curriculum and instruction, specializing in literacy and early childhood education. Since 2001, she has been employed by UCF as an instructor and program coordinator of early childhood education. In addition to teaching, Deirdre was a writer, speaker, trainer and an activist for young children, advocating for play-based learning. She was the author of many children's books, poems, the lead writer of a curriculum, and lead writer for teacher books, including STEM PLAY, published in 2016. Many years ago, Deirdre was honored in a poem written by her own mother, a fitting tribute in our time of loss:"Sweet and lovely, much much more, blue-eyed beauty with talents galore. Contagious smile, a gift so rare, ready to share with all who care. Special woman, always there, with a classic name and an Irish air. A whisper of goodness all around her, a sweet intrusion and much much more, Is our own dear daughter, Deirdre Ann." Left to mourn her are her husband of almost 25 years, Leigh Patrick Englehart and their three children, Rebecca Eileen, Ian Richard, and Caera Anne, her six siblings, John Sheridan, Helen Miller (Roger), Carmel West, Elizabeth Hatley (Don), Mary Hontz (Wayne), Una Martone (Mike), in-laws Chris Hausmann and John Englehart, as well as nieces, nephews and friends too plentiful to name. The Volusia County dance community, Aiguille climbing gym, her lifelong friends "POTK", the STEM and WOW groups share our grief. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sean and Eileen Sheridan. "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands." The family will receive friends and visitors at Baldauff Funeral Home,1233 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL. on Thursday, September 8, 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 26 Dogwood Tr., Debary, FL. on Friday, September 9 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Englehart Continuing Education Fund at the following link https://www.youcaring.com/rebecca-ian-and-caera-englehart-640579
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