Sharon Blumer

Sharon Blumer

March 21, 1941 – October 17, 2026

Sharon Blumer, 85, of Orland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a family she loved deeply, and a legacy of strength, spirited determination, and devotion to those she held dear.

Born on March 21, 1941, Sharon grew up in Escanaba, Michigan, before making her way to Chicago as a young woman. At just 19 years old, she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Blumer, while they were working for the same company. Sharon had always known what she wanted most in life: to be a mother and raise a family. With Bob by her side, that dream soon became a reality. The two married in 1960 and welcomed three children, with Sharon dedicating the next ten years to raising their young family. She later returned to the workforce, embracing her love of Chicago, travel, and her adventurous spirit through a career as a corporate travel agent. But of all the adventures life had in store for Sharon, none would compare to the one that began when she met Bob—a remarkable love story that would span more than five decades.

Sharon and Bob shared an extraordinary love and affection for one another. They were always seen holding hands, sharing a kiss, or finding a reason to laugh together. Even in their later years, Bob could still be found playfully chasing Sharon around the kitchen, completely smitten with the woman he had married so many years before. He adored his "princess," and their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, friendship, laughter, and enduring love.

When Bob passed away on February 22, 2017, his final words were a testament to that devotion: "Take care of my girl for me." Today, her family finds comfort in knowing that after nearly ten years apart, Sharon and Bob are together once again.

Together, Sharon and Bob built a beautiful life centered on family, love, and cherished traditions. Sharon's devotion to her children naturally extended to her grandchildren, who brought a whole new dimension of joy and purpose to her life. Just as she had done when raising her own children, Sharon once again made family a priority, dedicating her time and love to helping care for her grandchildren. Alongside Bob and their extended family, she helped create a nurturing environment filled with love, encouragement, and treasured memories. Watching her grandchildren grow and flourish was one of her greatest joys.

Sharon had a strong personality, a quick wit, and a spirit that was uniquely her own. She raised her family with two memorable mottos: "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice," and, with a little more attitude, "We don't take any nonsense from anybody!" Together, those sayings reflected the values she hoped to pass along: treat people with kindness, stand up for yourself, and never be afraid to speak your mind.

Sharon also had a lifelong love of theater, particularly musicals and community productions. She and Bob shared that passion with their children, making trips to the theater a treasured family tradition. Their enthusiasm for the performing arts inspired a love of theater that continues through the generations, one of the many wonderful gifts Sharon leaves behind.

Travel was another great passion in Sharon's life. From the beauty of Hawaii to adventures in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Italy and Portugal, she embraced opportunities to explore the world and create unforgettable memories.

Following Bob's passing, Sharon and Judie grew especially close, becoming not only mother and daughter but also the very best of friends. They loved their trips into downtown Chicago for lunch and an afternoon at the theater, concerts, movies, and simply spending time together. But some of their happiest moments were the quiet ones: sitting on the deck with a glass of wine, enjoying a home-cooked meal, or sharing stories in front of the fireplace. Sharon especially loved a sandwich made with fresh, homegrown tomatoes from Judie's garden. She was always appreciative of these simple pleasures and the time they spent together. Their friendship became one of the greatest gifts of the last decade of Sharon's life.

When Sharon's daughter-in-law, Chris, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in her 30s, Sharon's compassion for others facing cancer became a personal passion. Determined to make a difference, she dedicated her time to volunteering with the Mokena Cancer Support Center, offering support to individuals and families navigating their own cancer journeys. She also participated in the "Walk of Hope" with a team fittingly named "Chemo and Vino," inspired by the title of Chris's blog chronicling her cancer journey. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Sharon set a personal goal of completing a 60-mile cancer walk when she turned 60. What began as a meaningful challenge became a shared tradition, as Sharon and Judie participated together for several years, both as walkers and volunteer crew members. Through these experiences, Sharon found purpose, friendship, and fulfillment in giving back to a cause that had touched her family so deeply.

In her later years, Alzheimer's disease gradually changed the world as Sharon knew it. Though the disease brought confusion and challenges, it could never erase the love she had shared or the memories she had created. During her final years, she was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who treated her with extraordinary kindness, tenderness, and dignity, becoming an extended family to both Sharon and those who loved her. Her family will be forever grateful for the comfort and affection they provided, and extends a special thank you to Alan Beshansky for his continued kindness and support throughout this journey.

Sharon was the beloved wife of the late Robert Blumer; loving mother of Jill (Lloyd) Duplechan, Judie Beshansky, and Marc Blumer; cherished grandmother of Jennifer (Cole) Vujosevic, Emily (Chris) Kosior, Lawrence (Hannah) Duplechan III, and Lauren Duplechan; and proud great-grandmother of Maya, Maisy, Ava, Carter, Jaxon, & Micah. She is also survived by many other loving family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sharon will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 Wolf Road, Mokena, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated by the family, in honor of Sharon and in support of the ongoing efforts to provide care, advance research, and bring hope to families affected by this disease.

Sharon leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, treasured traditions, and lessons that will continue through the generations. While her family will miss her dearly, they find comfort in the love she shared, the memories she created, and the beautiful thought of Sharon and Bob reunited once again—hand in hand, sharing another kiss, and continuing the love story that began so many years ago.