Shari Tepper Mayes

Shari Tepper Mayes passed away peacefully on Friday, surrounded by family who ensured her final days were marked by dignity, love, and even laughter.

Born on September 25, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Shari spent her early childhood on Surf Street before moving with her family to Rogers Park, where she attended Kilmer Grade School. In 1956, the family settled in Evanston on Mulford Street. She graduated from Evanston Township High School, where she met Michael Tepper, whom she married at 18 years old.

Soon after, Shari moved to Italy, where she and Mike built and operated a large-scale egg farm that grew to nearly 50,000 chickens. It was an ambitious undertaking that reflected her adventurous spirit and fearless willingness to take on something big.

Shari endured profound loss at a young age. Her mother, Mae, passed away when Shari was just 17. She also carried the brief but lasting memory of her daughter Marily, who lived for five days. These early chapters shaped her resilience and depth.

After returning to Chicago in 1976, Shari rebuilt her life with that same resilience and determination. In 1977, she met architect Jack Mayes. They married in 1983 and shared a remarkable partnership until Jack’s passing in 2012. Their marriage was both a love story and a creative collaboration. Jack designed banks and commercial buildings; Shari brought them to life inside.

An artist at heart, Shari first taught oil painting before establishing herself as a gifted interior designer. She had a singular sense of style. Refined yet inviting, luxurious yet comfortable. Anyone who entered her home felt it immediately: beauty and elegance that welcomed rather than intimidated. That balance was her signature.

Shari was strong-willed, expressive, sharp, and unforgettable. She could command a room and curate a space with equal authority. She carried intensity, conviction, and a sense of humor that could double you over with laughter. In her final days, she expressed love and gratitude openly and even poked gentle fun at herself. It made those last moments lighter than we expected.

She is survived by her sons, David and Sam; her granddaughter Colette; her grandson John Tepper and his wife Una, and their son Cillian, with another great grandchild expected soon; her granddaughter Nona Tepper and her husband Taylor Carl, and their son Logan; her brother Phil; and extended family and many friends whose lives she touched.

John, Una, and Nona were instrumental in helping maintain Shari’s dignity in her final chapter, for which the family is deeply and eternally grateful.

She now joins her beloved husband Jack, her mother Mae, and her daughter Marily.

She passed with family at her side. After tears were shed, a bottle of Macallan she always kept on hand for her son Sam was opened, stories were shared, and glasses were raised in her honor. She would have wholeheartedly approved. She had said she wanted no tears, only laughter, and we tried our best to honor that wish.

Shari’s life was bold, creative, and passionate. She leaves behind art she painted, spaces she transformed, and a presence that will not fade.

In lieu of flowers, raise a glass, tell a good story, and create something beautiful in her honor.

A private celebration of her life will be held on March 8, 2026.