Sharon Julie Trave

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the unexpected passing of Sharon Julie Trave, age 55, on July 18, 2023. Born on July 2, 1968 in Kansas City, Missouri, Sharon was the cherished baby of a large and loving Irish family; including her five Trave siblings, and an extended family of 41 first cousins, whom she loved dearly and could never do without. She loved being the baby of the family and she took that role seriously and honorably. Sharon attended elementary school at Notre Dame de Sion and high school at Bishop Miege. She lived in Kansas City most all of her life and loved living on the Plaza.

Sharon’s warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend and neighbor. She was always ready to share a good book title, provide a restaurant recommendation, give a makeup tip, a wise bit of advice or just a good laugh. Despite her allergies, she even shared dog treats with all the neighbors’ dogs, embodying her selflessness.

Sharon loved life. She was a foodie, a baker, artistic and oh so chic, always donning the coolest glasses and the perfect shade of lipstick. Sharon has dealt with Type I Diabetes since the age of 28, but never let that stop her zest for life. If you knew Sharon, you knew her laugh, and you can probably still hear it ringing in your ears today. Sharon had a glow about her that was infectious. She lit up a room when she walked in with both her style and charisma. When you met Sharon, you instantly loved her and she loved you too.

She was a true food enthusiast and found her calling in the restaurant industry. Throughout her life she served with passion and dedication. She loved every customer and every one of her “restaurant family members”. Bagel and Bagel, Michael Forbes, McCormick and Schmick’s, Grand Street and Gram and Dun are only a few of the places that were fortunate enough to have her. Sharon’s love for Jimmy Buffet even took her to St. John, USVI, to serve and spread her joy of food. She adored serving people and we can only imagine how many customers she made smile; something so more precious and important to her than the tip they left her. She wanted each customer to feel taken care of and enjoy every moment of their time at her table.

Sharon, you left us too early; and early was not a trait you were typically good at in your day to day life. Heaven is lucky to have you, but we feel even luckier to have had you in our lives. Our glamorous sister, aunt, cousin and friend, our Sharon, Shar Dessa, Shammy, Pumpkin Head, Shar Boom Dass, we will miss you so, but know you will forever be with each of us. We promise to keep your spirit alive with stories and memories around all of our tables.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Betty Trave. She is survived by her five siblings, Sam, Susan Kuechler (Bill), Steve (Bette), Sally, and Sheila Finn (Tom); and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.

The services will begin at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on Thursday, July 27. The visitation will be held from 5:00-8:30pm, the Rosary will begin at 7:00pm. A Mass will be held at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO on Friday, July 28 at 10:30am with a reception immediately following in Visitation’s Tighe Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.