Sharon Jean Cookendorfer

Sharon Jean Cookendorfer, 80, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away on June 03, 2026 at home, peacefully in her sleep. Sharon was born on November 05, 1945 in Bangor, Maine to Albert and Maxine Gardner. She grew up in Bangor and graduated from high school in 1962. She was the middle child of three children. She married her high school sweetheart but divorced five years later. She moved to San Diego, California where she met and married her second husband, Loren Reldon Cookendorfer. 

The US Navy stationed Loren in Yokosuka, Japan where Sharon joined him and where she delivered her daughter, Michelle, in 1972. 

Sharon had a long career in medical billing and retired from UCSD in 2012 and moved to Chandler, Arizona with her sister, Claire. 

Sharon was passionate and determined to get the best deal she could. She loved thrift store shopping and embodied the saying “one woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure”. Her ability to research and price compare to get the best deal was uncanny. 

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Rene Pelc, her granddaughter, Haylee Shae Garcia and her brother, Robert Gardner. She was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Claire Shumaker, in 2022. 

Sharon never asked for anything but she gave much to those she loved. Her friendly demeanor and kindness will always be remembered. Rest in peace.