Sharon Marks Swartzman, 89, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Feb. 25 at her home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on July 26, 1936, in Kansas City to Reva and Jim Marks.
Sharon graduated early from Southwest High School and went on to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia. After finishing her freshman year, she married Sidney Rubin. While Sidney completed his pediatric residency at UCLA, Sharon continued her college studies. The couple then moved to his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where he began his practice and they started their family. Five years later, Sharon was widowed and returned to her hometown of Kansas City.
While raising three young daughters, she resumed her college education and earned her doctorate in psychology from UMKC. For 25 years in a thriving private practice, Sharon helped people change self-defeating patterns of behavior to reach personal goals. She also founded the Assertiveness Training Institute of Kansas City, where she led seminars, workshops, audio programs, business therapy and private counseling focused on teaching individuals to express their feelings, opinions and needs clearly, directly and confidently.
Sharon was a loving wife to Howard Swartzman for 32 years until his passing on Sept. 7, 2017. Together, they shared a distinguished bond of intelligence, humor, kindness and good times, traveling extensively, playing bridge and enjoying theatre, films and food.
She was extraordinary in a way one encounters once in a lifetime — a great. A remarkable blend of beauty, charisma, decency, elegance, empathy, generosity, passion and wit, she instinctively lit up every room and knew no strangers. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to listen deeply and respond in a way that made each person feel uniquely understood. Her presence reached beyond conscious awareness, enveloping others in a quiet sanctuary, leaving you feeling welcomed, inspired and truly appreciated. With a single glance, you knew how fondly she regarded you — then, now and always. A Bridge Life Master, an avid reader with vast knowledge of historical and current events, passionately engaged in politics and a devoted patron of the arts, Sharon lived vibrantly with wisdom, curiosity and heart.
She is survived by her three daughters, Shelli Helm, Robin Helm Sommerer and Terri Helm (Richard); her six cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Shaina Krumme, Paige and Sara Sommerer, and Jonathan (Eli) Jacobs and Gregory Jacobs (Davide Lanuto); and her great-grandchild, Esther Nellie Jacobs (Essie).
Through her marriage to Howard, she is survived by his three children, Susan (Tom) Freeman, Steven (Evelina) Swartzman and Julie (Ian) Krop; and their children, Danny, Jonathan and the late Andrew Freeman, Harrison and Zandy Swartzman, and Ethan and Sophie Krop.
In addition, Sharon is survived by two special cousins, Jeffery Marks and Dr. Sandra Radom, and two lifelong friends, Marcia Shapiro and Sukey Fox.
The family would like to thank three exceptional caregivers and one extraordinary neighbor, friend and human, Dr. James Wolter.
Funeral services were held at Louis Memorial Chapel on March 1. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s name to the charity of your choice.
