Sheryl Ann Sperry
July 11, 1943 - December 21, 2020
Obituary
Sheryl Ann Sperry passed away December 21st, 2020 at UW Medical Center due to complications from cancer. She was born on National Slurpee Day (7/11), 1943 in San Francisco, California to Russell and Eleanor Sperry. They were loving parents, who she expressed, “let me be and still loved me”. She would go on to bestow this same unconditional love and acceptance upon everyone she met throughout her life.
She is survived by her cousin Judy (Mark) and their sons Peter and Ken. The “kids” Lisa (Stan), Todd (Kristin), Scott, Chris (Tamara), and Michele (Andrew), “the cousins”, her first great granddaughter Elle, and her beloved dog Dobbie.
Sheryl received her education at Immaculate Heart of Mary School under the tutelage of her life’s role model, Sr. Adrienne Marie (SAM). She graduated from Notre Dame High School with the class of 1961, and went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree at the College of Notre Dame, graduating as Sr. Mary Karis Sperry in 1966. She continued her education at City University and obtained her Masters of Education in 1994.
Sheryl began her prominent career as an educator at St. Claire’s Elementary in California. She moved to Washington in 1969, teaching at St. Vincent de Paul until 1972, then St. Philomena until 1981. She then worked for the Tennessee DOE as the state evaluator for the Tennessee Career Ladder Program. She returned to Seattle and began her tenure at St. Joes from 1992 until her retirement in 2010. This is when she adopted her furry friend, Dobbie, who would remain her loyal sidekick for the next ten years.
To be loved by Sheryl, was to know that you always had someone in your corner. Her students were her children. Her friends were her family. A wonderful example of this sentiment is the story of how Sheryl met the Gordon family. It all began in 1972, when she taught Shirley and Jerry’s son, Todd, at St. Vincent’s for his first two years of grade school. He looks back on her class fondly, recalling how she would often bring a guitar to class with her and teach them songs such as “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and “The 59th Street Bridge Song” while strumming along. This is also when she would make the decision to leave the Convent and begin her journey with the Gordon family. Shirley quickly became Sheryl’s most cherished friend, and would hold that title for the next 40 years, until her passing in April of 2010. During this time, Sheryl adopted Shirley’s family as her own, and has since remained a constant for the Gordon’s. She has been present for every family trip and vacation, celebrated every birthday, graduation, sporting event, wedding, holiday, and every other special moment in their lives.
Sheryl has always felt most at peace on the water. For several years, she owned a boat named Freetime, which hosted numerous family outings and the best Independence Day celebrations. Then, In November of 2013, Sheryl purchased her houseboat at Northlake Marina, which she called a dream come true. On sunny days, she often encouraged friends and family to stop by and share her little oasis on the water. She enjoyed these peaceful days on her boat: a fresh breeze, Dobbie in lap, watching the ducks and geese frolic on the water. Aptly named La Pacena, or “my place of peace”, Sheryl found her home to give her just that. It helped her cope with the obstacles life sends us to deal with. One such obstacle came when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While cancer certainly isn’t a fair hand to be dealt, Sheryl would always tell her students: “If you want fair, go to the Puyullap”. As was in her nature, Sheryl remained buoyantly upbeat while battling this unfair disease.
Described by family as “the most selfless, giving person”, Sheryl was always willing to lend an empathetic ear or helping hand to someone in need.
Her generosity was not limited to family, however. She supported hospice services and was involved with a program that worked to ensure no one died alone. She spent much of her free time in hospitals, accompanying people she hardly knew during their final moments. Even her Christmas gifts were carefully thought out. She would often donate to an organization or family in need, handing out cards explaining the mission of the charity whilst also allowing us to see how our donation had impacted the lives of others in a positive way. Another common gift from Sheryl, were her custom-made calendars from various family events throughout the year, capturing candid memories of our time together.
In lieu of flowers, her family encourages you to donate what you can to one of the many charities Sheryl supported. Some charities that were close to her heart include Child Fund International, American Red Cross, and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
A devoted Hawks fan, Sheryl will fondly be remembered for her hearty laugh, love of the Peanuts gang, being the easiest person to talk to, and her generosity that will live on in the lives of many. Be kind, be kind, be kind; and you, too, can be like Sheryl. Though she will be dearly missed by many, Sheryl would implore you not to dwell on the sadness. Instead, to find your place of peace.
To inquire about service time, or request to be updated when services are being held, please email: rememberingsheryl43@gmail.com
I feel so lucky to have known her. At St. Joes, she was a mentor and a friend.
I was lucky enough to have had Ms. Sperry as a vice principal during my time at St. Joe’s. She was always so loving and genuinely cared about each and every student. When I was a kindergartener and a boy was bullying me. She always made you feel heard and understood and when I confided in her, she took us aside and taught him to be kind and respect girls. Another time, she was my group’s chaperone on a choir trip to New York City. We were all so excited and one girl suggested going shopping on Canal Street. Ms. Sperry was such a rebel and decided to take us to our and even helped up haggle with some of the shop vendors. My time in NYC was amazing and I know that most of it was due to her guidance and companionship. Her passing was a shock to me but I will forever remember her vibrance, love, and wonderful rendition of “Were you there?” every Lenten season. Thank you Ms. Sperry for your light and your memory be a blessing.