Shereen Debra Farber

Shereen Debra Farber, 81, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on July 26, 2026, at Community North Hospital. Born July 8, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio to William and Regina Handler, Sheree attended Cleveland Heights High School and The Ohio State University, where she earned her BS in Occupational Therapy.

She began her career at Riley Hospital for Children in the IU Cerebral Palsy Clinic. While working with this special population, Sheree developed an interest in neuroscience as well as an understanding of the learning difficulties that could accompany her patients. As a result, she pursued a master’s degree in special education from Butler University.

Sheree then earned her PhD in Comparative Anatomy/Neurobiology from Indiana University Medical School and completed post-doctoral work in the Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, also at IU. She was a favorite professor of anatomy and physiology to many medical, dental, occupational, and physical therapy students.

Throughout her career, Sheree earned many professional awards and spoke across the country. In 1978, she was inducted into the Roster of Fellows and in 1989, delivered the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture in Baltimore, one of the most prestigious awards in Occupational Therapy. Sheree also became a researcher for Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products Division Worldwide and an advisor to the American Heart Association. Her understanding of human development and sensory motor needs inspired her to patent a pacifier for newborns. Sheree also wrote over 30 peer-reviewed publications and three books focused on her areas of expertise.

After 25 years, Sheree retired from Indiana University and began two private practices: Ortho-Neuro Rehabilitation Services and Canine Equine Rehabilitation Services. Her “magic hands” were a comfort to many humans and animals alike, who experienced chronic pain. Aside from her career, Sheree developed a passion for breeding and showing Golden Retrievers. This led to many wonderful friendships and a long line of furry family members.

Perhaps Sheree’s greatest accomplishment was the family she created with her beloved husband, Mark, of 58 years. Together, they raised twin daughters, Ali and Aimee, and she was “Grammy” to four grandchildren, Emma, Jacob, Wyatt, and Tessa. Sheree had an army of close friendships that she maintained and treasured throughout her life, even from as far back as kindergarten. She taught all who loved her to be steadfast in one’s convictions and passions.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Mark Farber, children Alison Farber Kramer and Aimee Farber Bastin, grandchildren Jacob and Tessa Kramer and Emma and Wyatt Bastin, sister Vicki Rosen (Tom), and nieces Jane Safrin (Ron) and Nicole Trager (Andrew).

A service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.