Sharon Maier-Bar passed away peacefully at the too-young age of 49 on February 20, 2023, an event that she would describe as expected but unplanned, after a years-long battle with diabetes and other illnesses.

Blessed with beauty, brains, culture, wit and charisma, she also had a propensity for the worst luck when it came to matters of health. And, although Sharon's life would seem far too short to many, those of us who were blessed to be touched by her presence understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here with us on earth.

Sharon was talented in so many aspects of her life: academically brilliant with a keen sense of empathy, coupled with a disciplined work ethic. She was fierce – holding fast to her beliefs, defending those she loved, and always looking to better herself and those around her. It was no surprise that she wanted to pursue a career in psychology. While on that path, with a detour in the corporate world, she was happily diverted to a new and more important role – parenthood. Sharon was a terrific mom. Her children were her life, and there was never a day that she didn't brag about them or worry about them or wish for anything but the best for them.

She had an immense love of travel that began when her family moved to South Africa when she was only 6 years old, before returning Stateside as a teenager and eventually graduating with high honors from her beloved University of Illinois. Since then, she has been on memorable trips in Europe and cruises throughout the Caribbean. Somewhere in there, she developed a fear of flying, which made future overseas trips a challenge, but she was determined to conquer that fear for another European vacation next year.

Born December 3, 1973, in Naperville Illinois, Sharon is survived by her husband Karl Bar, her children, Emma Lynne Bar and Noah Richard Bar, her parents, Richard and Linda Maier, her brother Jeff Maier, her niece and nephew, her aunts and uncles, and a collection of cousins and friends throughout the world. Left puzzled by her absence are her dog, Luna, and two worried cats that Karl has reluctantly promised to parent.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon's family would be grateful for donations to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/?form=Donate).

Sharon, we love you and we already miss you so much!

The service will be live streamed at this link:

https://youtube.com/live/XHKavTVsxF8?feature=share

Refreshments will be provided after the funeral service.