Shari Ciotti

A woman whose unwavering faith, generous heart, and quiet acts of service touched everyone around her.

Shari Ciotti, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Irvine, California, at the age of 79.

Born in Bellflower, California, Shari Ciotti lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. Baptized at 13, her faith became the foundation of everything she did, from the way she raised her family to the way she cared for others around the world. She spent her early years in Orange County, where she met the love of her life, Frank. One New Year’s Eve while they prayed together on their knees in church, he slipped a ring onto her finger at midnight, a simple, beautiful moment that began a marriage lasting 59 years.

As a homemaker, Shari poured her heart into raising her two children and building a home filled with love, but her heart for others extended far beyond her own walls. In 1983, Shari, co-founded IMA (International Medical Assistance) where she served as President and Director for 25 years. The first outreach involved the establishment of a birthing clinic in Nigeria, Africa which was dedicated to helping mothers deliver healthy babies. In 1992, IMA's vision expanded to the establishment of Girls' School in Guatemala, where girls were given hope and opportunity through education. In 2015, Frank and Shari were instrumental in establishing a church in Guatemala, which hosted doctors and dentists from the United States to provide health services. Shari was a wonderful cook and provided meals for all the volunteers that traveled to Guatemala. Her life was a testament to a determined service and a faith that moved mountains.

Shari was known for her generous spirit, endless volunteering, and ability to make anyone feel seen and cared for. She loved collecting pearls, each one a small reflection of her belief that grace and beauty are formed through time, patience, and resilience. She traveled widely, visiting Israel, China, Hong King, Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Belize , Panama, Costa Rica, Virgin Islands, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Morocco, Ireland, Hungary, France, Portugal, Africa, Canada, Greece, Alaska, Cruising the east coast to see the fall leaves change, and her many trips to Guatemala embracing every culture with curiosity and joy. This past May, she fulfilled a wish to visit Noah’s Ark and the Creation Museum in Kentucky, a trip that spoke to her unshakable faith and sense of wonder.

Those closest to her will remember her laughter over games of farkle and Mexican train dominoes, her warm gatherings with her small church group, and her devotion to her Compass Bible Church community. Her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor brought joy to every room she entered. Faith was the center of her life, guiding her every step, every choice, and every act of kindness. Shari’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and steadfast love, a life beautifully lived in service to God and others.

Shari is survived by her loving husband, Frank Ciotti; her children, Traci Russell, and Frank Joseph Ciotti; her grandchildren, Candi, Ciera, Cacie, Ty, Colbie, and great- grandchildren, Cyrus, Riley and Zane. She is also survived by her sisters: Tina Randy, Christi Pierce Nordoff and brothers, Rusty Heaps, Mike Cole and Ted Pierce, along with many extended relatives and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

John 11:25 (ESV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.

Celebration of Life Funeral:

Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM

Location: Patriot Chapel, Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA. 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA. Officiated by Pastor Lucas Pace.

Interment to follow at the gravesite.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.