Sharon Kay Lacy Cech

Sharon Kay Lacy Cech was born on May 19, 1941 to Marvin and Julia (Esser) Lacy in Nebraska City, NE.

She moved to Lincoln to attend UNL and pursue her love of the arts. She met and married her husband of 42 years, Bernie Cech. They went on to have 3 sons together. She taught Art at Northeast Highschool for 34 years and was an avid member of Gallery 9. Her family always came first but it was not uncommon to see her at the gallery or catch her talking politics with her many friends.

She is survived by her sons Dave (Rachel) Cech of Denver, Tony (Ann) Cech and Matt (Debbi) Cech of Lincoln. Grandchildren Caroline, Olivia, Willie and Cecil. Siblings Ginger Lacy,
Sonjia (Gary) Mayfield, Lyle (Cindy) Lacy, Gary (Diana) Lacy, David (Janelle) Lacy

She is preceded in death by her husband Bernie, parents Marvin and Julia Lacy, and granddaughter LillyB Cech.

Private family service due to Covid, with a Celebration of Life to be planned in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to family for future designation.

Condolences online at roperandsons.com

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May 3, 2022

Mrs. Cech was the reason I became an Art Teacher. I loved her classes . In fact today I was trimming a geranium in my yard and I remembered the still life settings she had set up in her room that we would paint and draw. She was a wonderful teacher.

– Nan Wright

December 30, 2021

Sharon was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I picture her with vats of dyes in her backyard, hanging her amazing batiks on the clothesline to dry. She planted flowers and a garden in every space she could find, from the front curb to the back alley. In all rooms, art on the walls — lots of bright colors. She brightened my days; always ready to share a cup of coffee. Years after we moved away we happened to meet in the parking lot of Gere Library and her loving, non-judgmental soul was the same as ever.

– Pat Friesen

December 28, 2021

I worked with Sharon at Northeast. She loved her students and taught much and encouraged those who cared about their art class. She was funny and forgiving, one who listened to many life stories of her students. She makes me smile. Even now! Eternal rest grant to her, dear Lord. May Your perpetual Light shine upon her…

– Maryann (Spahni) Boumann

December 27, 2021

My heartfelt condolence to David, Matt, Tony, and their families in the loss of their mother and grandmother. My late wife Sylvia and Sharon were close friends for many years. Memory is a gift from God that death cannot destroy. Indeed, there is no sorrow on earth that God cannot heal.

– Dennis Fischer

December 26, 2021

Rick and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Cech family. We have lived next door to Sharon for many years. No one could ask for a better neighbor. She was funny, generous and kind-hearted. We exchanged news and gossip across our shared fence and over coffee, plants and bulbs from our flower beds, and favorite goodies and recipes. We will miss our good friend and neighbor always, especially when the beautiful Star-Gazer Lilies in our garden bloom in July.

– Susan Robins

December 26, 2021

I also had Mrs. Cech for Art at Northeast. One of my favorite teachers that taught me so much. A very patient and kind person. She will be missed by many. My condolences.

– David A. Hayes

December 25, 2021

One of the last times I visited with Aunt Sharon we talked until three in the morning, in her basement studio surrounded by paints, clippings, ideas and her (un) finished paintings. It was perfectly Aunt Sharon, or at least my (or everyone’s) version of Sharon. We talked about books and art and politics and disappointments and hopes, and how she just couldn’t get Uncle Bernie’s face right in her latest work. It reminded me of another afternoon, many years before, when she showed me several paintings, this time, upstairs in one of the bedrooms. There too was a painting that included Bernie, although painted in the words of the poet Donald Hall: You think that their dying is the worst thing that could happen. Then they stay dead. Obviously, that painting was too perfect in capturing Bernie. I don’t know if Sharon got Bernie’s face right. I don’t know if she even finished the painting. And I’m ashamed to admit that I never asked. The final time I saw Sharon, a few weeks later, this time in her living room, the centering for family occasions, celebrations, returns. The Lacy family matriarch, after Julia and Marvin left us. There was a sadness in our conversation, and because we didn’t know it would be the last time we would see each other, it wasn’t the cause of our heaviness, but instead it stemmed from different life events that we were powerless to do anything about. Although we had attempted to, in each of our ways. Her willingness to offer forgiveness. My attempting to figure out how one mends a broken narrative. And so, we commiserated in our shared griefs, over coffee, and with promises. I left that day appreciative – appreciative that we had the opportunity to talk, and that she allowed me to say what was in my heart without judgement, a little well meaning chastisement, all from a place of love and support. And now, I am beginning to learn how to live in a world without Sharon. Joan Didion wrote that the living tries to keep the dead alive in order to keep them with us, but that we have to let them go. While I understand what Didion wrote (also in her own moment of dealing with death and the human condition), I disagree – I am not ready to say goodbye. To let go. So, I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and attempt to keep the promises we made and be the example she set. With a heavy heart, I offer my love and condolences to all of you.

– Laura Lacy Graham

December 24, 2021

I was lucky to get to know Sharon. We were both art teachers for LPS and participated in district projects and enjoyed attending state and National art education conferences. Once we designed a special T Shirt for Yourh Art Month! It was always a blast working with her! I’ll miss her sweet smile, wonderful productivity, and dry sense of humor. It was wonderful knowing you, Sharon.

– Rose Kotwas

December 24, 2021

I had her for art at northeast, she was awesome!! She was always there to listen and help whoever needed a friend and a listening ear! RIP Mrs. Cech! You made a huge impact on my life!

– Cindy Nelson Tierney

December 24, 2021

Deb and I Send Our Sympathy and Prayers to Sharon’s Family…Her Incredible Artistic Talent and Wonderful Personality will be Greatly Missed 🙏❤️🙏

– Mark E. Coyle

December 24, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Sharon through Rodger Jordann. Rodger spoke glowingly of Sharon. She was a dear friend. He so enjoyed spending time with Sharon and her family. They shared a love for art. She will be missed.