Sharon Talarek (nee Hansen), 86, passed away in the peaceful early hours of Christmas Day, 2025, in hospice following a brief illness. Sharon, born and raised in Harvey, IL, moved to Homewood, IL, in 1964, where she raised her family and continued to live until 2021. At the time of her death, she was living in Milwaukee, WI, near her son, Gregg (Denise) Calpino. Sharon is also survived by her daughter, Paula (David) Diehl; and 6 grandchildren (Virginia Calpino, Ben Calpino, Jacob Calpino, Alex [Olivia] Calpino, Ava Calpino, and Sam Calpino). She is preceded in death by her son, Barry (Teresa) Calpino; husband, Jim Talarek; and parents Edwin and Norma Hansen.
Sharon and her husband, Jim, were married for 46 years, from 1975 until Jim's death in 2021. They shared a love of sports, their many dogs, and their second home in Door County, WI. Sharon was a lifelong, avid Chicago sports fan, particularly of the Bears and the Blackhawks.
Sharon had a long career as an administrative professional. She particularly enjoyed her years working in downtown Chicago, where she took advantage of the concerts, theater, restaurants, museums, and shopping. Sharon retired from Northwestern University-Chicago at the age of 70.
Sharon had a remarkable ability to maintain close, long-term friendships. She was still in touch with school friends (Thornton Township High School Class of 1957), old family friends, and work friends from Chicago and the south suburbs. The family would like to thank those friends, as well as the new friends she made at Cardinal View Senior Living, Middleton, WI, for bringing companionship and joy to her life.
No services are planned. In honor of Sharon's love of animals, donations may be made to South Suburban Humane Society or similar.
Sharon and her husband, Jim, were married for 46 years, from 1975 until Jim's death in 2021. They shared a love of sports, their many dogs, and their second home in Door County, WI. Sharon was a lifelong, avid Chicago sports fan, particularly of the Bears and the Blackhawks.
Sharon had a long career as an administrative professional. She particularly enjoyed her years working in downtown Chicago, where she took advantage of the concerts, theater, restaurants, museums, and shopping. Sharon retired from Northwestern University-Chicago at the age of 70.
Sharon had a remarkable ability to maintain close, long-term friendships. She was still in touch with school friends (Thornton Township High School Class of 1957), old family friends, and work friends from Chicago and the south suburbs. The family would like to thank those friends, as well as the new friends she made at Cardinal View Senior Living, Middleton, WI, for bringing companionship and joy to her life.
No services are planned. In honor of Sharon's love of animals, donations may be made to South Suburban Humane Society or similar.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sharon Hansen Talarek, please visit our flower store.
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