Funeral Details

Sharon E. Samuels

March 26, 1957 - January 8, 2022

Entombment - Private

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OBITUARY

SHARON SAMUELS IS A CHICAGO HERO.
She improved the lives of her gang member clients during her 30 years as a probation officer for Cook County Juvenile Court. In two particular cases she changed the lives of 2 gang members completely. When they were 16 years old she got them into mechanical school where they excelled. They are now 30 years old and are outstanding citizens, homeowners with good jobs and loving families. “If you change one person’s life you change the world.” Sharon had such a warm, caring, charismatic personality. She had a deep goodness and integrity and everyone she knew loved her. She was radiant. She had more friends than can be counted. Close present relationships that go back to grammar school in Los Angeles. She lived in Los Angeles for 15 years and graduated from Beverly Hills High School and California State University at Northridge, majoring in sociology. Her talents were versatile. She was the owner of a gift stationery store “Jordan Matthews” for many years in Beverly Hills, CA., Not only did she help impoverished, at risk youths in Chicago, but also her friends who looked to her for advice and wisdom. They thought so highly of her. She was kind and friendly to strangers and the homeless. Her family was most important to her. She loved her mother, father, brothers, nieces and nephews deeply. She was a remarkable one-of-a kind person who will be remembered and greatly missed by everyone. Beloved daughter Roberta (Kenneth Towers) Randall and the late Edward “Big Ed” Samuels. Loving sister of Steve (Cathy Korzon) Samuels and Scott (Maddy) Samuels. Proud aunt of Eric (Jessica) Samuels, Melanie Samuels, Jaime (David) Dolphin, Ryan Samuels and Jensen Samuels. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the entombment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to your favorite charity. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


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I will miss you … Miss Sharon Elaine
Big hugs go out to Roberta and Steve. Your close knit, loving family was reflected in the love and acceptance Sharon showed me during for our 45-year long friendship.
Some of Sharon’s best qualities were depicted in her obituary. I thought I would share some of my memories of other great qualities. Let’s not forget about her sense of humor and warm generous spirit. She would laugh easily and often during some our escapades and reflections of everyday life. Whether it was about funny things that happened in our families or the culture of the moment, Sharon was always ready to laugh. It was her ability to be generous with her attention and letting someone else have the floor that made her such a special friend. There was never a time when she wouldn’t listen to your troubles or joys and have a relevant comment or suggestion. We were all lucky to experience her natural therapist qualities.
Sharon was an open minded adventurer, ready at the drop of a hat to cruise up to Santa Barbara, check out some cool location or take in a gallery across town. Even if the subject matter wasn’t her first choice, she was game. If anyone was an imaginative location scout, it was she. She loved exploring and was one of the best traveling companions.
Her spirit, openness and true interest in all her friendships was an endearing trait and one I will miss. To be a friend of Sharon’s was always a gift. She was someone with which you looked forward to sharing and just being. She cannot be replaced. Thank you, God, for putting her in my life. Peace be with you now Sharon. And with you Sharon’s family. Amen.


Laura Brown
January 11, 2022
I have such lovely memories of Sharon & Roberta visiting us in England a few years ago. Such happy times and so many memories of time in LA and San Diego. FB has been our method of communication in recent years and it was always so lovely to catch up and hear your news. My love and prayers go out to Roberta & family at this sad time. You were indeed a hero Sharon and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace dear Sharon. With much love - Jeanne, Brian & Charlie Campbell xxx

Jeanne Landon-Campbell
January 12, 2022
It's said that you don't know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. I have many fond memories of Sharon, serious and silly. I feel such a profound, overwhelming sense of sadness, so I can't imagine what her family is going through. Sharon was one of my first friends when I moved to Chicago 30+ years ago ... we met at a pottery class where we were equally matched in our lack of talent. Sharon Samuels was a force of nature. She had a great sense of humor, an open mind, a warm heart and deep compassion for others. The world is a better place because Sharon lived in it. In her work, she often went above and beyond to help her clients on her own time and with her own money. ... countless families and children were given opportunities and services and better lives because she cared so deeply. As a friend, you could always count on her. In some ways, she and I were polar opposites ... she was the "calm, rational extrovert". Although Sharon travelled a difficult road for quite some time, she always navigated it with uncompromising dignity, courage, and class. Sharon Samuels is forever in my heart.

Linda Daly
January 13, 2022
The Don & Laura Towers family sends their condolences. Losing a daughter and sister is unfathomable, but we hope the beautiful stories shared in the service bring peace and comfort. With our greatest sympathy, Laura, June (Bill), David, (Claudine), Carol (Bruce), and Gail (Joe)

Gail Towers Nolan
January 14, 2022