Anne Marie McSharry

Anne Marie McSharry, age 78 of Orland Park, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025. Survived by her devoted children Kathy (nee Gruszka) Wilkey, Ryan Randick, Robbie (Taylor Santos) Randick, and Kari Randick, grandchildren Seth, Clay, Josh, Kaleb, Kaity, and Jonny Wilkey, great granddaughter Addison Wilkey, brother Tom (Jan) McSharry, nephew Tommy (Natalie) McSharry and numerous dear cousins. Preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Nancy (nee Cooney) McSharry, sister Kathleen T. McSharry, and son-in-law Rich Wilkey.
Anne Marie was born and raised in the city of Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from St. Gabriel Catholic School in 1961 and Mercy High School in 1965. In 1969, she received her bachelor's degree in Mathematics at Chicago Teacher's College (Chicago State University). In addition to her academics, she was a decorated Irish Dancer. She attended the Dennehy School of Irish Dance and went on to earn the title of the North American Women's Champion at the age of eighteen. Her love of dance continued throughout adulthood, and she often could be found Irish dancing with her brother at family events.
Anne Marie's passion for education led her to serve as a high school math teacher, retiring from Chicago Public Schools after 37 years, concluding her career at the School City of Hammond with a total of 48 years in education. She went beyond standard education, teaching life lessons and bringing humor and excitement into classrooms. Her students remember her by her innovative methods and a long list of unique catchphrases. Her passion for teaching and love for her students were the same on day one as they were in her final year of teaching.
The greatest accomplishment of her life was her family. A loving daughter, mom, "gramsimo", sister, and cousin is how she was known best. Her family was always top priority, and she loved them more than anything. She was the number one fan for each of her kids and grandkids, showing her pride by wearing various pendants, picture buttons, and displaying their accomplishments, no matter how small. Anne Marie was known for her famous jello desserts at every family and sporting event and was often referred to as "Aunt Jello". Her home was filled with constant laughter and love, even during difficult times, and always was accompanied by a hot cup of Irish tea. Her loved ones will always remember her quick wit, sense of humor, unwavering compassion, warm hugs, and unconditional love.
Visitation for Anne Marie will take place on Monday, October 20th, 2025 at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Service will be held the next day at Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467 on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Procession to St. Mary Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, 87th Street &, S Hamlin Ave, Evergreen Park, IL 60805, will immediately follow for Interment.
In lieu of flowers, Anne Marie's family requests that donations be made to The Cottages of New Lenox, 1023 S Cedar Rd., New Lenox, IL 60451. Please come wearing black, red, or sequins in true Anne Marie fashion to celebrate her life in the style that she lived in!
Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.