Shari Ann Sutton, of Glendale, WI, passed away peacefully with family by her side, on July 30, 2026, at Fairway Knoll in Germantown.

Born March 28, 1941, in Cassville, Wisconsin, Shari was the only child of Henry C. Bandekow, Jr. and Retha Bandekow (née McDowell). She grew up in Cassville, lived in Chicago, worked at the Moody Bible Institute, and after marrying Ed, settled in the Milwaukee area.

Shari married Ed Sutton on May 18, 1985, in the country church at the Wisconsin historical site Stonefield Village, just outside of Cassville.

She loved visiting her hometown and reminiscing about the lily pads that grew in her Aunt Fern’s garden. The driftless area and Mississippi River were always a special place for her. She enjoyed shopping (loved a good estate sale), bookstores - she could spend hours in them - Broadway musicals and visiting family and friends. She also loved visiting Chicago, taking the train to go see her favorite spots and friends. The Art Institute of Chicago was one of her favorite places. In her home, she proudly displayed mugs that highlighted her favorite art in the museum.

For many years, Shari’s “volunteer home” was Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital. For over 35 years, Shari was the “go to person” volunteer. She greeted patients, worked at the reception desk, helped with special projects, eventually training and mentoring new volunteers. She received several awards, including the “Soaring Beyond Expectations” award, and was recognized for her 35-year volunteer commitment, and the more than 11,000 hours she volunteered helping other people. She also volunteered at Fairway Knoll, greeting new residents and showing them around.

A voracious reader, she was always interested in sharing her favorites. She especially enjoyed a good mystery book, tracking down favorite reads from the likes of Anne Perry and discovering new authors like Fern Michaels. She appreciated Michaels’ writing, but she also loved the author’s love of dogs. You always know, Shari would say, that the dogs will be safe in these books.

Although she never had a dog herself, during Sunday visits Shari spoiled Idgie with as many treats as the tiny poodle demanded.

She loved playing Scrabble and singing in the choir at Fairway Knoll, her beloved home for the last five years of her life.

Shari was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her parents and other relatives and friends. She is survived by brothers-in-law, Tim and Tom; sister-in-law, Kim; niece, Alison (Jordan) and nephew, Alex (Emma), and great-nephew, Oliver; cousin, Sheila Kirschbaum; and dear, lifelong friends from Dubuque to Chicago.

A private celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Humane Society or dog rescue organization.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fairway Knoll and Brighton Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.