Shari Joy Sanders

It is with the deepest sorrow that the family of Shari Sanders announces her passing on April 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 23, 1959, Shari was a Mother, Entrepreneur, and Advocate.

Shari was known for her feisty and independent nature, always standing up for what she believed in. She was a woman of great influence and courage, never afraid to make her voice heard. Her infectious laughter and big heart made her a beloved presence in the lives of many. She recently said, "I try to find the good in each situation—if you can't find the good, then find the humor." Her humor often bordered on inappropriate, and it always made those around her laugh. She had a gift for breaking tension with a perfectly timed wisecrack, and she gave the most thoughtful gifts, full of intention and love.

Shari was fiercely loyal to those she loved. Her people—family, friends, and even casual acquaintances who found their way into her heart—knew they could count on her, without question. She protected, defended, and uplifted those she cared for and stood by them through thick and thin.

Her home was always open—not just to family, but to anyone who needed shelter, a meal, or a listening ear. Many of her children’s friends came to know her simply as “Mom,” a title she wore with pride and compassion. She nurtured others with a rare kind of generosity, offering wisdom, comfort, and often, some tough love paired with a laugh.

Above all, Shari’s heart belonged to her children and grandchildren. She loved them with every fiber of her being and put them before herself in many ways. She was their protector, their biggest cheerleader, and their safe place. Her love was immeasurable and fierce.

What many may not have seen—but those closest to her knew deeply—was the immense strength she carried every single day while living with an excruciating and often invisible disease, Reflex Sympathetic Nerve Disorder. Despite the relentless nature of her condition, Shari refused to let pain define her. Her perseverance was nothing short of heroic. She continued to show up for her loved ones, advocate fiercely for others, and live life on her own terms. Her humor, warmth, and defiant spirit never dimmed, even on her hardest days.

One of the greatest accomplishments of her life was her work toward the legalization of cannabis. Shari was not only an advocate but a true pioneer in the cannabis community—respected, admired, and deeply loved by many. In the final chapter of her life, she used cannabis, particularly RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), to ease her pain and improve her quality of life. She showed others that healing, autonomy, and dignity can go hand in hand. Many in the cannabis community have shared tributes on her social media, recounting stories of how she inspired them, supported them, or simply made them laugh when they needed it most. She was a warrior, a mentor, and a beacon for those navigating the cannabis industry and their own healing journeys.

Shari is survived by her children Jason Marks (partner Cathy Hayes), Joshua Barkocy (Rochell Barkocy), Adam Cutler, and Jenna Lerman (Mike Lerman). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Kaiden, Calvin, and Maevyn Barkocy, and to Lucas Lerman. She is also survived by her mother, Sandi Glade (partner Marty Rudnick), and her siblings Amy Jarett (Mike Jarett) and Wendi Dyne (Mark Dyne). She was also a deeply cherished aunt to Hana and Kidmin Bellin, children of Amy Jarett, and to Morgan and Dylan Dyne, children of Wendi & Mark Dyne. Her warmth and playful spirit touched the lives of all her nieces and nephews, and she held a special place in each of their hearts.

Through her vivacious personality, fierce convictions, unwavering loyalty, and the love she poured into her family and community, Shari Sanders will continue to live on in the memories of those who knew her. Her departure is a profound loss, and she will be deeply missed—but her light, her laughter, and her legacy endure.

Services for Shari will be on Friday, April 18 at 1:00 pm at Eden Memorial Park located at 11500 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345