Shari D. Felty

Shari D. Felty, 53, of Winnetka, IL; a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away on August 1, 2025 after living for two years with a terminal high-grade glioma diagnosis — a rare and remarkable length of time that defied the odds and reflected her fighting spirit and determination, inspiring all who knew her.

Born on August 2, 1972, Shari lived a life marked by curiosity, creativity, and an uncommon ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She is survived by her husband, Trey Felty; their daughter, Avalon Felty; her parents, Charles and Glenda Prestage; her sister, Renee Prestage Babb; nieces and nephews Evan and Sophia Wagle-Babb, Matson and Kathryn Camp, Addison Babb, and Ethan Babb; her great-niece Madelyn Winn; her father-in-law Joe Ray Felty; as well as numerous extended family members, and countless friends and colleagues across the globe.

A lifelong learner and artist at heart, Shari earned her bachelor’s degree in History from Auburn University, a post-baccalaureate certificate in philanthropy from Loyola University Chicago, and two advanced degrees from the University of Chicago — a Master of Arts in Humanities and an MBA from the Booth School of Business. Her studies spanned art, architecture, philosophy, and strategic management, reflecting her love of both beauty and problem-solving.

Shari’s professional life bridged the worlds of art and business. She spent many years at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Terra Foundation for American Art, where she served as assistant registrar and traveled extensively as an international art courier. In this role, she ferried priceless historic artworks to museums across five continents, often forging deep friendships with colleagues along the way. In recent years, she brought her expertise in change management and strategy to consulting roles, including senior positions with Clerestory Consulting and most recently, Ernst & Young’s People Advisory Services division.

Beyond her résumé, Shari’s impact was deeply personal. Friends describe her as brilliant, witty, and endlessly supportive — someone who offered both practical insight and heartfelt encouragement. She had a gift for listening, for seeing possibilities where others saw obstacles, and for mentoring younger professionals in museums and nonprofits. Her calmness under pressure and ability to find clarity in ambiguity made her a trusted colleague and confidante. Many of her friends enjoyed their “coffee chats” with Shari over the years.

Service and community were also throughlines in Shari’s life. Active in the churches she attended, she served on mission and grant review committees and regularly volunteered her time to mentor students and early-career professionals. She was a frequent panelist at career days, introducing high school students to the world of museums and philanthropy, and she delighted in helping others discover their own path.

Shari’s personal story was one of resilience. Early health challenges reshaped her path, but they also deepened her empathy and broadened her perspective. She built a career and a life defined not only by accomplishments, but also by meaningful relationships. Whether sharing stories on a train commute with her “train buddies”, leading a team through a complex project, or finding quiet moments of creativity in painting and poetry, Shari approached each season of life with integrity, humor, and an open heart.

Above all, she was devoted to her family. She adored her daughter Avalon and was very much looking forward to supporting her in her senior year of high school. She also treasured her partnership with Trey, building a home together filled with love, art, and laughter - not to mention the numerous chairs she collected.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Ave, Wilmette, IL.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 11:00 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery, 4001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL.

A service of remembrance to celebrate Shari’s life and legacy is being planned for a future date to be determined. More details will be provided as plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) as a Tribute Gift in Shari’s memory or to an art museum of your choice, honoring Shari’s belief in the power of art and nature to transform lives.

To make donations to the Chicago Region Tree Initiative specifically, visit the arboretum's Tribute Gifts page and select "Donation for Honoree". In the Tribute Type section, select "In Memory" and type "Shari Felty" in the Honoree's Full Name field. This will ensure the donation goes specifically to the CRTI program.