Sharan Baracker
Sharan Baracker crossed the finish line into eternity on Monday, Aug. 20 at the age of 73. A true hero of the faith, she was always willing to believe God for a miracle, and always willing to acknowledge that He is sovereign. She ran her race well, with dignity and perseverance and hope in spite of decades of pain and adversity.
Her family and friends celebrate her victory with many tears. Her life and example are a testimony and legacy that will not be forgotten, her humor, tenderness, strength, faith, and love sorely missed by the many people whose lives she touched. She showed love in many ways, not the least of which was tireless hospitality — to family, friends, and strangers alike. She cooked countless meals and treats and gave them freely as tangible expressions of her love and care. She was a fierce prayer warrior, the kind of person who would set up a lawn chair in the yard of a hurting family unannounced, and faithfully and persistently petition for God’s grace on their behalf. So many of us were forever impacted by God’s response to her fervent, heartfelt prayers.
She was born Oct. 16, 1944, in Clear Lake, Minnesota, to William and Marion Corne, the sixth of 10 brothers and sisters. Her family moved to Poplar, Montana when she was three years old. There, she would meet and marry Jerry, the love of her life and husband of 56 years. Within a year of the wedding, they moved to Whitefish where the five Baracker children were raised — Dawn, Dee Anna, Kelly, Colette, and Jami. Sharan was a stay-at-home mother. She also participated in many business and investment decisions with Jerry. She enjoyed perch fishing with family and friends on many local lakes, and striper fishing in Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Pat and Terry, and brother Ronald. She is survived by her brothers Richard Corne and wife Joan, James Corne, Jerry Corne and wife Patty, Warren Corne, Michael O’Brien and wife Maria, and sister Janen Pero and husband Rob. She leaves behind her children Dawn Chan and husband Steve, Dee Anna Dillon and husband Sean, Kelly Baracker and wife Nancy, Colette Baracker-Flynn and husband Tim, and Jami Baracker; grandchildren Tia and Haley Chan, Zak Dillon and wife Jennifer, Hanna Dillon, JayDee Collins, Melina and Layla Baracker; great-grandchildren Fawkes and Finnley Flaherty and KateLynn Collins.
For those of us left behind, there will be a memorial service at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish this Friday, Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, consider sending a donation to one of Sharan’s favorite charities: Shepherd’s Hand Clinic or North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish, or Hope Pregnancy Center or Samaritan House in Kalispell.
Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family. To send the family condolences please visit Sharan’s tribute page at www.austinfh.com.