Obituary
Sharran’s legacy continues through her three children, Geoffrey (Jessica), Adam (Heather), and Orly (Ari Telisman); six grandchildren: Ozzie and Lilah, Sonya “Sunny” and June, Payton and Chase; and her extended Telechan Reunion Family throughout the world. Each of them carries a piece of her fierce spirit and vibrant creativity.
An avid cook who could claim, “Suck it, Martha Stewart,” Sharran’s culinary creations were matched only by her many travel adventures and artistic endeavors. Throughout her 80+ years, Sharran traveled the world, including China, Cuba, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Israel, Morocco, and more. She was active in keeping her world-wide Telechan Reunion family connected through various weekend events, a tradition originally started by her cousin Edna.
At home, she was known to knit, sew, paint, and write. She often wrote eloquent and funny letters in beautiful handwriting. She infused her artistic pursuits with the same passion that defined her life. A lover of books, opera, and theater, she coaxed those around her to pursue their passions fearlessly. She knew the true meaning of lifelong learning, continually taking classes at University of Illinois Chicago and the Newberry Library in her later years.
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Roosevelt University, and Chicago-Kent College of Law, Sharran was a female trailblazer. Her diverse careers spanned from teaching high school to realty – and eventually in her 40’s to law school where she would later practice family and real estate law. In her 35+ years as a lawyer, she presented an unwavering advocacy for her clients that showcased her tenacity and intellect. Her clients saw her as a confidant and loyal defender, and many called her a friend after the attorney-client relationship ended.
In 1968, Sharran married Sheldon Greenberg. Though they divorced in 1984, their relationship evolved into a friendship, often shared with his new wife, Sheryl. Together, they uniquely navigated the complexities of post-divorce life, their children’s marriages, and their new grandchildren with laughter and warmth.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Kitty and Orrin Olenick, and her beloved younger brother, Michael.
Sharran was a woman of conviction. She never shied away from expressing her (many) opinions or hopes for the future, fervently rooting for her kids, grandkids, and Kamala Harris equally. Her demeanor and voice were strong, and her laughter infectious.
We ask that you remember Sharran by celebrating her unwavering spirit, love for family, and indomitable will to embrace life on her terms. She may have left this world, but her legacy will continue inspiring all fortunate to know her. Rest in peace, Sharran-your fierce light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org http://www.adl.org
Chapel service, Tuesday 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Tuesday, October 29th at 12:15 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Park
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
November 28th, 2024
As a child, many “Israelite family” get -togethers included Sharran and her parents and her children. In recent years, I got to know Sharran a little better as my husband Alan did her taxes. We would get together for lunch when the taxes were done, so Alan could give Sharran the finished forms. She certainly was an amazing woman. I wish we would have known about her passing. We would have attended the funeral to pay our respects.
~Beth Nudelman
~Machatenister, Buffalo Grove
October 31st, 2024
What could I possibly say about the GREATEST woman I have EVER known ! ! Sharran & I first met over 35 years ago briefly in HP, but when I needed a divorce attorney 20 years ago, I called Richard Millunchick. He recommended her saying, “I trust her with my life.” …and so I did.
She took SUCH care of me in the weakest moments of my life and gave me hope and literally saved my life all the times I felt like giving up.
Constantly mentioning that she wanted to fix me up, “….with a nice Jewish girl.” but never found one that she could convince to take a date.
From being her Client, to her IT Guy, to her Fix-It Guy, to her Storage Guy, to her File Shredding Guy, to her Friend, to her Eldest Adopted Son, it was an gift to be around her whenever I could and constantly learn nuances of life, her thoughts on what I should and shouldn’t do, she truly became my Jewish mother in all the ways my Italian mother could not.
Her brilliance, tenacity and determination was inspiring. I will forever be grateful for her being such an important part of my life for so long and honored she considered me her good friend.
She will be greatly missed and NEVER forgotten ! !
~Bob Passeri
~Client/Friend/Adopted, Northfield
October 29th, 2024
I have many wonderful memories of spending time with Sharon and her family. All of our trips to Chicago as children were filled with so much love from our aunts, uncles and cousins. When she came to Minnesota for a family wedding when I was young, she spent a lot of time trying to make me as beautiful as I could be. I was a young girl and she did my hair in a fancy updo with hairspray, and many Bobby pins. She made me laugh as she talked about how great my hair was and she wished she had gotten the good hair genes in the family. We will miss her. Sending love to all of her children and grandchildren.
~Wendy Jaffe
~First cousin, Dexter, Michigan
October 29th, 2024
Sharran and I met the first time when I was the Chef at Cocoricoo, a now defunct Restaurant on Clybourn. I learned fast she had great love for good food and an appetite to match for food, life and conversation alike.
Being an immigrant to this country, Sharran helped me navigate many a complexity, with a loyalty unparalleled, aside fom being an incredible friend and lunch partner.
My memories of her uncompromising appreciation for life will always be a guiding light for me.
I will miss her much.
~Rocky Kipka
~Friend, Chicago, Il
October 29th, 2024
Sharran joined our book club in February 2022. I knew from the moment I met her she was a good fit: smart, funny, and an avid reader. She chose some of the best books we read together: The Storm by Arif Anwar, Killer of the Flower Moon by David Grant, Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller, and Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Every month Sharran shared her sparkling wit with our group. Although I knew her for only a short time, she made my life so rich by being my friend. I am so grateful to have known her and her memory will always be a blessing to me.
~Cathy Seagle
~Friend and Fellow Bibliophile, Chicago, Il
October 28th, 2024
GREAT TIMES WITH SHARRAN AT OUR FAMILY REUNIONS.
~ARNIE & SHERRILL BLUMBERG
~Family, ENCINO, CA. 91436
October 28th, 2024
With wonderful memories too numerous to recount…. I can only say that I am so grateful we met in law school and that our friendship never ceased. I watched her children grow and attended every glorious wedding. I immensely enjoyed her delicious food and joyous events at her loving home where she raised her family. I am so immensely honored that she was a part of my life and always loved and cared for me. I can say that my favorite times with her were when she visited me in Italy and we shared wonderful meals and experiences. Sharran, life without you will be sorely lacking. No one can fill your shoes as a friend or human being❤️❤️❤️❤️
~Laurie Spear
~Friend, Northbrook, IL
October 28th, 2024
Sharran came into my life during one of its most challenging chapters—I had just lost my mother, grandmother, and aunt, and was going through a painful divorce. Sharran was my lawyer, but she was so much more than that. In my 20s and struggling financially, she never took advantage of my situation. Instead, she became a support system, a listening ear, and a true friend. She invited me into her home, offering comfort in ways that went far beyond her legal role. Sharran’s kindness and integrity touched so many, and her absence will be felt deeply. My heart goes out to her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
~Amy S Ferguson
~Friend, Highland Park
October 28th, 2024
at Lilah’s Bat Mitzvah
~Orly Telisman
~Daughter, Chicago
October 28th, 2024
Sharran was so very smart. I think she was able to do anything she set her mind too.
She helped Tom install our living room floor better than the professionals. She was an amazing cook She love to read & travel.
Our families were together on many occasions. Sharran was more than a very good friend. She and her 3 children became part of the Millunchick family. Any time she was around it was a celebration. We all knew that you could always count on her.
I am pretending that she is on a long vacation. I miss and love her very much! Our family is richer fir having her in our lives. How lucky we have been.
Linda Millunchick
~LINDA MILLUNCHICK & Fred Coopeman
~Friends, Highland Park IL 60035 USA
October 28th, 2024
Sharran & I met in July, 1954 when my parents moved to Lincolnwood. Sharran & I lived on the same street, 9 houses apart. 70+ years is our epic history. Through many ups & downs, we traveled through life on our own terms .We knew each other in ways too numerous to count but we always reconnected. She was everything written in her obit & lived her life to the fullest. She loved her life & everyone in it. Steve, my husband, was also her dear friend, doctor & political compatriot. May your memory be for a blessing & now you can rest in peace.
~Sue Feinzimer Kozlowski
~Friend since 1954, Huntley, Illinois
October 28th, 2024
Helped care for this wonderful woman when she had shoulder surgery.. learned a lot of new recipes cooking five star meals. And became wonderful friends. I will miss her dearly. Hug sweetie
~Leanne Richter
~Friend, Silver City N.M
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