Obituary of Sheryl Y. Sheraw

Sheryl Youde Sheraw, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Teresian House in Albany NY. Sheryl was born on July 21, 1937 in Sunderland Iowa to Lyle L. Youde and Beulah V. (Wilson) Youde. She moved to Grants Pass Oregon with her family, where she was an accomplished member of 4H and graduated from Grants Pass High School. Sheryl then went on the graduate from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s in biology. At her graduation, she was awarded the honor of one out of five outstanding women in 1959. Sheryl was also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, as well as being the president of the Mortar Board Society. The bonds that she made within that organization lasted throughout her life. After college, she continued her studies in the Philippines after being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship where she received her master’s degree in Sociology from the University of the Philippines in Manila. Sheryl eventually went to work at Cornell University becoming the assistant dean of students and meeting her husband of 48 years, Donald Marion Sheraw. While living in Ithaca, NY, Donald and Sheryl had their two children, Thomas and Amy. The family moved to Albany, NY in 1975. While in Albany, Sheryl continued to pursue her education and went on to receive her second master’s degree in Social Work from the University at Albany in the 1980’s. This led her to a position as a social worker at the Capital District Psychiatric Center for about a decade. Throughout the past 45 years, Sheryl was a devoted and active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albany where she served in many capacities from Director of Education, member of the choir, and volunteer on the Focus Council of churches. Her membership to First Presbyterian Church brought her many of her dearest friends and happiest memories. Her church family brought her great joy throughout her lifetime. Sheryl enjoyed reading and had a true passion for travel. She traveled throughout the U.S. and much of the world throughout her lifetime. She was always looking for her next adventure. Sheryl was also a part-time resident of Nantucket Island where she and her husband enjoyed their second home. Sheryl is predeceased by her loving husband Donald Sheraw and her dear sister Kathy Allison. She is survived by a sister Linda Badcock of Redando Beach, CA, and brother James (Judith) Youde of Vancouver, WA, her son Thomas (Kelley) Sheraw of Delmar, NY, daughter Amy (Shawn) Mullins of Decatur, GA, five grandsons, Jack, Ethan, Luke Sheraw and Donald and Ryan Messick as well as many nieces and nephews. Her memorial service will be held virtually by First Presbyterian Church of Albany, NY on Friday March 19, 2021 at 2:00pm. Please join us in remembering Sheryl Sheraw by streaming her memorial. Go to https://www.facebook.com/First-Presbyterian-Church-of-Albany-199702876717559/videos/?ref=page_internal to view the memorial. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be contributed in Sheryl’s name to the First Presbyterian Church of Albany at 362 State street, Albany NY 12203.