Six years and Sheryl is still so alive to me. She left us too soon, but achieved what we strive for - a lasting and positive impact. Sheryl left her mark on the world and we're all better for it.

It’s six years since you left, yet your boundless spirit embraces so many of us daily. While you didn’t have to endure the terrible times we have witnessed, your resilience and wisdom have somehow seeped into our marrow so we can carry on. Not a day goes by when I don’t reflect on a moment, a conversation, your wit and humor; your design mind, your intellect… and while I miss you so much, your presence is still a vital part of my daily reality.  ❤️‍

I like to think Sheryl knows my kids and can see my house and is giving counsel on my real estate career & design matters from wherever she is — that she’s here in spirit, always proud and supportive the way she always was with me and my sister (and her daughters and step-daughters and friends and friends of friends). I like to think she’s looking out for all of us, especially during these tumultuous past few years. I miss you, Sheryl!

Sheryl is forever a part of my past, part of me, and never forgotten. Such good memories of her kindness and warmth and wisdom.

Sheryl's roses are blooming and stronger- better than ever.

They represent and embody here in so many ways, especially beauty and a character of their own.

Of course, there are no words to truly express the emotions of this day.

Much love to the spirit and soul of Sheryl wherever she resides.

Stacy

Five years. Sometimes it seems like five days and other times it seems like several lifetimes. I think of Sheryl every day, whether I am hanging pictures (not too high!), cooking bacon (low and slow!) or arranging flowers (more is better). When it comes to questions about cooking, design, real estate, and life in general, I often ask myself 'what would Sheryl do?'. I'm glad she didn't have to endure Trump, but I know that all of us would have been enriched by her perspective on the tumultuous events of the last few years.

Thinking of Sheryl today and all of her family. She was a key person in my childhood and all through high school. She will not be forgotten.

It's hard to believe it's been 4 years today since Sheryl passed. We miss her and her friendship for so many reasons. Her wisdom and commitment to social change in this dramatic time - I'd love to hear what she'd be doing, saying and writing. And, her unfailing cheer, care and design for well-being would be comfort and inspiration even on a Zoom call these days. Blessings and love to Sheryl's' memory, friends and family.

An approachable Queen

I have been struggling to find words that convey Sheryl's wonderfulness but, alas, I do not have her gift of eloquence.  I simply leave this note to convey my deepest sympathies to her beloved family and to express my gratitude for all that she shared with our family.  We are so grateful for Sheryl.  She was so generous with all of us. She shared her heart, attention, wisdom, insights, enthusiasm, support, cheer, research, masterful editing skills, fun, great taste, forward thinking and so much more.  We miss her and will hold dear in our hearts all that she inspired and shared.

Sheryl Larson planted her flag in this world as an emissary for the power of beauty to uplift what it means to be human. And to say she brought grit and grace to the last several years of her life would be an understatement as she rewarded her caregivers with the gift of a patient wanting also for her case and treatment research to help others. Her intelligence, wisdom and curiosity shined and I will miss her dearly. I commit to being the best friend possible to Hank, her family and her memory.

Sheryl was many things to many people. To me, above all, she was an editor and the finest by far I'd ever worked with. She motivated people to do their best work through encouragement, inspiration and an infectious curiosity that led others to ask questions and not jump to conclusions. She loved culture and politics and even in her last years would email over essays, stories etc. that her friends would eagerly open because quality was assured -- since they were curated by a fertile, passionate editorial mind. Sheryl was a mentor and a dear friend. Miss her terribly.

I met Sheryl through my daughter, Amy, who was school friends with Hannah. She was a truly special friend, mentor, and 'second mom' to Amy, and then a great friend to Sarah, now Amy's wife. I just posted some photos and a video of Sheryl and Hank dancing at their wedding. I've watched this video many times. It just exudes so much spirit and joy in life. Sheryl was truly someone whose beauty and spirit shined forth, and surely still ripples in untold ways. I am so grateful she was such an integral part of Amy's, then Sarah's life; and also that I had the extreme pleasure of knowing her, all too briefly. With much love to Hannah, Ella, Hank and the whole family.

Sheryl is the center of so many memories of raucous elementary school sleepovers and wild birthday parties. Being in her and Hank's home was always a treat. I've never forgotten one moment when she was giving me a ride home from fourth grade. She turned around and looked at me, grumpy and slumped in the back seat, and told me she thought I was cool. A small moment, but to me, and from her, it was everything. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom, and for bringing joy to so many moments.

Highly compassionate   Quick witted
Wholly engaged        Distinctly perceptive
Keenly intelligent       Exceedingly wise

Every singular descriptor of Sheryl invites a positive modifier because the qualities in Sheryl ran deep and wide. Qualities that:
everyone experienced in her presence, especially family and friends;
enabled her to seek knowledge that informed her parenting and profession, defined her politics and economics, extended her life;
caused her to be courageous in the face of death, many times over.

I feel so very fortunate to have been Sheryl’s friend, to have shared time and space with her for 20 years -- from kindergarten Mom experiences at King Lab to the “daring” move of Ella and Kelsey to middle school at Baker Dem to our vacation in Cape Cod and Boston and finally to the spiritual union felt at Sheryl’s tree.  

Throughout those years I watched Sheryl intentionally nurture and appreciate her ever-growing love for Hank, guide and admire the “Kinzie girls” as they became remarkable women, invoke and apply the wisdom of her mother and grandmothers, connect and reflect with oh so many friends. 

I have learned much from Sheryl’s example. I will continue to be inspired by her profound assessment of life: “love is all there is”.

I love and celebrate Sheryl Larson!

First of all, I am so sad not seeing Sheryl for the past few years while she was heroically battling cancer. And after numerous outings together with Hank and Sheryl in the early 1990s, Sheryl came to our house re 1993 and shared the incidence of her breast cancer. We connected because my wife, Sally, was struggling with the same problem. I remember Sheryl being upbeat and "going out to find a tree to hug". Also remember sharing stories about her experience "In Our Times" and her rigorous sense of public opinion. My next experience was Sheryl finding my present home in southeast Evanston. What a gift she is. She figured out what I needed and thank you, dear Sheryl, I love my home. And I will always love you. David

Michael and I have know Hank and Sheryl for many years. Our children went to school together.

Later, Sheryl was our real estate agent on nearly a dozen transactions. Her inate kindness showed in her advice. She always conducted our negotiations in a calm, respectful manner which recognized the basic decency of all parties. This was her special gift: to call forth in the people she encountered their best and most generous selves.

Two years ago we moved into the building next door to Hank and Sheryl. We so looked forward to being neighbors. Sheryl and I would talk about how we would be able to see each other from our kitchen windows. When we moved in, Hank and Sheryl were in Texas and we waited with anticipation for their return. After that, because of Sheryl's illness, we did not see each other nearly as much as we hoped.

But there was texting, email, and an occasional dinner. I am not the only one, I'm sure, who received links to news articles about the latest Republican outrages. We hope that she took some comfort in our assurances that The Donald would not win!

Sheryl took great pleasure in her family, interest in how our kids and my elderly parents were doing and looked forward to meeting our first grandchild. Such a lovely, graceful, gentle soul and well met.

Sheryl was an instant friend and was a beautiful, intelligent, creative, loving person. When Sheryl walked into a room she brought a lightness. She was always smiling, always wearing something beautiful and creative, always ready to talk and have some fun. She looked at you with those beautiful blue eyes as if you were the most important person in her life. I miss her and am so sorry for Hank, Hannah and Ella and the rest of her family and friends.

Sheryl was generous to others with herself and her time and I have been blessed having known such kindness, and by the quality time spent with her! We grew up together, living a few doors apart from the time of my birth through high school.

When I picture Sheryl, I see her welcoming us into her kitchen during Winter Break home from Carleton. Maybe it's in Evanston, maybe at the Barn, but she's wearing something comfortable yet effortlessly fabulous, surrounded by eclectic objects and artwork reflective of her keen eye and creative mind. I think of all the times I sat with her and Hannah on the couch, talking about the news and gossip--she always made each of us feel special and valued. At times, she was a cheerleader, a guide, an inspiration, the best imaginable IKEA companion, and a friend to all of us. I will always remember her courage, inner strength, resilience, and generosity--qualities she passed on to her daughters. Someone else used the word "radiant," and that's a perfect descriptor. Sheryl made the world brighter, and her loss is deeply felt. Sending all my love to your family.

Her beauty and grace were obvious, almost secondary to her sharp intelligence, her interest in and deep understanding of so many political, economic, and artistic strands that intertwine to shape our reality, and all capped by her impish sense of humor. But these gifts were surpassed by another...when we basked in her attention, she helped each of us feel we were among the most interesting people, doing the most worthwhile and creative work, and that we mattered...mattered to her and the world. How can we recover from the loss of this kind of champion?
I love you Sheryl. Thank you.

Sheryl: never meet a stranger; connected with you immediately and wanted to know you; completely loved her family as we all should; appreciated her friends and spoke of them highly; savored what the day gave her; taught me so much....
I will never forget our first meeting It is my blessing that we were friends that I will keep in my heart forever.

Sheryl was a love in my life. She had a stunning sense of compassion and justice. Absolute brilliance. A beautiful spirit that knew no bounds. A mentor to so many, she was the most remarkable woman I have ever known. I want to write it across the sky, "The world is a better place because of Sheryl Larson." We will all carry her torch.

I knew Sheryl only a short time but she left me grateful to have known a genuine friendly and kind soul. We first met at Samantha & Chris' wedding and my memories of her friendliness and humor will be with me forever. She will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

There will always be a beautiful part of Sheryl in my loft at 1800 Ridge. She had already picked out all the colors, upgrades and other additions when she and Hank decided not to proceed with the purchase of that condo. So I bought your unit and was given the choice to do change everything to my own likings, but I left everything the way it had already been done by Sheryl.That is how much faith and respect I had for this remarkabley creative, talented and special woman, Sheryl! You will always be around me and I will always remember you. Thank you for being you.

She clearly was a light in the world, touching so many lives with her love,. laughter, passion for the truth, compassion for the wounded, and courage beyond my imagining. I still cherish her incredible expose on the Radical Right and their 30-year campaign to change our politics and our Nation. An amazing spirit that will be fondly remembers for a long time.

I love Sheryl to the moon. She was a perfect partner in helping me solve most any challenge I was facing-- personal, professional, health, finance, you name it She educated me on social security spousal benefits, and even buy backs. She referred me to better physicians. She could easily list every good trait of my son, which all mothers want to hear. Quick mind, quick wit, quick smile, amazing caring. Perfection in every way. I miss her everyday...and think of her every night.

"Sheryl will always remain in my heart", Love, "Mom" Millie Houte

"Sheryl was like a sister to my little sister. Their deep friendship followed them through so many stages of their lives. Sheryl was one of the classiest, most soulful women I have ever known."

Sheyl was truly a person of amazing quality and spirit. The small amount of time that I was around her always made me leave feeling the better for it. I know her spirit will live on in her family and friends....I am so sorry for this loss.

Sheryl was truly a person of amazing quality and spirit. The small amount of time that I was around her always made me leave feeling the better for it....I know that spirit will live on in her family and friends.

In all the years I've known Cheryl I never saw her without her beautiful smile. She lit up a room. I am so sorry for your loss but know that Cheryl is at peace now.

Although her intention was not to teach, so many of us learned so much just from being with Sheryl. For one, she taught me how to have cancer. Dump the drama, focus on the science and walk through it.
In a word, Sheryl was always radiant.

Living in the city means you always pick up your pet's poop.
While at the barn, Ax had to do his business. Of course, I take him out with poop bags in hand. Sheryl laughed so hard she cried.

Sheryl's love was not just for humans. Our puppy, Axel, basked in her love.

I have always had fond memories of Sheryl. She and Hank were among my favorites, even though we did not see each other that often. Sheryl was always cheerful, positive and supportive. She will be missed by so many. Harvey Pranian

Although your grief will never truly end, may time heal your heart and memories comfort your soul.

Heartful
Efforvessant
Adorable
Reassuring
Tenacious

Blessing to you all in this time of your loss.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Love