Sharlene Ann Wright

Sharlene Ann Wright, 89, of Crystal Lake, formerly of Arlington Heights, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with her daughters by her side. 

Born in Chicago on November 28, 1935, to Andrew and Helma (Vocke) Bayerle, Sharlene grew up with a deep appreciation for music. She married Norman Wright on July 21,1956.

Sharlene spent many years working in the dental field but was best known for her gifted musical talent. She was an accomplished piano player and was a part of the early musical theater productions at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights. She played at piano bars in Chicago, created musical shows for the Cary Canaries, and often played just for fun at social gatherings. Sharlene and Norman had a special and unique way of bringing people together. They planned numerous celebratory social gatherings and hosted themed parties with lively entertainment, often encouraging friends and family to join in the performances. Sharlene passed her love of music and musical theater down to her daughters and entertained her grandchildren with music, stories, cards, and games.

Family was the center of Sharlene’s world. Affectionately known as Mom, Gram, Grams, Grandma and Gigi, she poured her heart into her grandchildren, attending countless sporting events, cheering from the sidelines, and making most events no matter the distance. From sleepovers to Halloween parties, Sharlene created memories that her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren, will always cherish. Sharlene also loved spending time with close friends playing bingo, poker, cards and Mahjongg.

Sharlene is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Kevin) Dulaney and Cindy (David) Lichterman; her grandchildren, Andrew (Kelly) Dulaney and their children, Millie and Finley, Danielle (Christopher) Caves and their children, Carter and Cody, Laura Lichterman (Ben Brockman), and Brian Lichterman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Helma , her husband, Norman, and her brother, Donald (Charlene) Bayerle.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 1 p.m. until a service at 4 p.m., at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.