Sharyce Secondo (1950–2026): A Marshall Graduate Whose Legacy Spans Generations

The George C. Marshall High School community recently lost a beloved alumna and longtime supporter whose life reflected the spirit of connection and care that defines the legendary “Small School Big Heart” of Marshall High School.

Sharyce Secondo (Smith), a graduate of George C. Marshall High School’s Class of 1970, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on May 6, 1950, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Sharyce grew up in Falls Church and attended Marshall while already demonstrating the independence and determination that would define her life. While in high school Sharyce lived on her own, and she worked at Hecht’s department store to support herself, an early sign of the strength and resilience that those who knew her admired.

During her years at Marshall, Sharyce met the love of her life, Larry Secondo. The two 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, beginning a partnership that would last more than 53 years and produce a lifetime of memories.

Marshall remained a constant thread throughout Sharyce’s life. She proudly watched her daughters follow in her footsteps as Marshall graduates—Carrie Secondo Lake (Class of 1994) and Laura Beth Colter (Class of 1998). Years later, the tradition continued when two of her four grandchildren graduated from Marshall with the Class of 2025, a moment that brought her tremendous pride.

Sharyce devoted her life to caring for others. After working at Equifax, she became a stay-at-home mother following the birth of her first daughter in 1975. She later opened her home to neighborhood children as a trusted childcare provider, offering warmth, stability, and kindness to many families in the community.

Her commitment to nurturing children continued when she joined Fairfax County Public Schools as a Food Service Manager, where she became a familiar and beloved presence to generations of students. Known for her cheerful spirit and genuine care, she served the community for many years before retiring in 2012.

Outside of her work, Sharyce was known for her creativity and generosity. She loved crafting—especially paper quilling, layered paper art, and wreath making—but her greatest joy was cooking and baking. Feeding others was truly her love language. Friends and family treasured her home-cooked meals and the tins of homemade fudge she lovingly prepared during the holidays.

In retirement, she cherished time spent with family, especially her grandchildren, and found happiness in simple moments—laughter around the table, time with the animals she adored, and gatherings with those she loved most.

Sharyce’s life is a powerful reminder that community is built through everyday acts of kindness. As a Marshall alumna who watched multiple generations of her family walk the same halls, her story reflects the enduring bonds that connect the Marshall community across decades.

Her warmth, laughter, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew her—and her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched.

As Westgate Elementary’s longtime cafeteria manager, Sharyce served thousands of meals with care, kindness, and a genuine love for every child who came through her line. Feeding people wasn’t just Sharyce’s job, it was her love language. To honor the way she quietly poured love into our community, her family launched a giving campaign with the help of Educate Fairfax, in her memory. All funds raised went directly toward erasing student lunch debt at Westgate Elementary School to ensure that every child in need receives a nutritious lunch. Sharyce strengthened our community with her kindness and care. Together, we continue her legacy, one meal, one child, one act of kindness at a time.