Shari Elane Foley

She is lovingly welcomed home by her beloved parents, sisters, relatives, dear friends, two husbands, and her countless cherished pets who left before her.

Shari leaves behind two devoted daughters, Beth and Sara Bellanti; son in law Shawn Pander, her stepson, Dan Morrison and family; and many incredible nieces and nephews whom she thought of as her own.

Born and raised in Independence, Missouri, Shari attended Van Horn High School and Missouri Valley College, remaining close with many of her classmates throughout her life. After earning her degree in education, she began her lifelong career as an elementary school teacher, later earning her master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut and Avila University. She was a passionate educator who always went above and beyond for her students, their parents, and her teaching community.

Shari was the embodiment of resilience. After losing her first husband, Michael Bellanti, suddenly in 1981 when they were both just 36, she somehow found the strength to carry on and ensure her daughters had a joyful, full childhood and every opportunity in life. Years later, in 1999, she married her childhood classmate and kindergarten friend, Bob Foley, with whom she shared great laughter and love until his passing in 2014.

A woman of many talents and boundless creativity, Shari was an accomplished dancer, a gifted decorator, a talented quilter, a playful prankster, and a holiday enthusiast. Her classrooms were legendary for their imagination and joy. She was deeply spiritual, generous, wise, loyal, stylish, and beautiful inside and out.

Nine years ago, Shari moved from her lifelong home in Kansas City, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, to be close to her daughters once again. She loved music—especially Willie Nelson—and proudly attended her son-in-law Shawn Pander’s live shows right up until her final year of life.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Shari would be honored by donations in her memory to a favorite local animal nonprofit, a breast cancer research organization, or simply by planting some flowers for yourself and thinking of her.

Austin, Texas friends and neighbors, please join Shari's family for a celebration of life open house Sunday November 23rd Noon-4pm

8201 Farmington Court Austin, Texas 78736

Memorial gathering information for Shari in Kansas City, MO, will be shared here in the coming months.