Sharon Lee Jacknow, née Barilla, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on December 15, 1944, in Holland, Michigan, Sharon lived a life marked by steadfast devotion to those she loved and a deep, abiding care for the lives entrusted to her heart. A resident of Forest Park, Illinois, she will be remembered with enduring respect and affection by all who knew her.
Sharon dedicated her professional life to the administrative offices of Northwestern University, Department of Material Science and Engineering, where her reliability and commitment were evident in the work she carried out day after day. Beyond her career, Sharon’s passions shaped the rhythm of her home and the warmth of her presence—especially her love of cooking and gardening, and the joy she found in time spent with family.
Above all, Sharon will be best remembered for her love for her children and grandchildren, and for her devotion to her pets. Her compassion extended naturally into a lifelong concern for animal welfare, and she was passionate about animal rescue. She also delighted in her grandchildren and grandpets, holding close the everyday moments that become a family’s most lasting memories.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Jerry G. Jacknow, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage; her children Jessica (Saúl) Pérez, Amy Jacknow, Patrick (Aubrey) Jacknow, Matthew (Pamela) Jacknow; and her cherished grandchildren Emma, Giuseppe, Alessandro, Mackenna, Savannah, Aurora, Lilliah, Lincoln, and Warren.
Cremation will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Best Friends-Utah, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, Utah 84741 https://bestfriends.org/ ; or to Animal Care League-Oak Park, 1011 Garfield St, Oak Park, Illinois 60304 https://animalcareleague.org
