Longtime RMOWP member Sherry Zurey, 78, of Golden, Colorado, died January 6th. We all remember Sherry’s lovely smile, cheerful willingness to pitch in whenever and wherever needed, and of course the scrumptious cookies she brought to conferences. She also served on the RMOWP board of directors and won several awards for her photography. She’ll be missed, but with happy memories.
Sherry’s daughter Deanna told us that Sherry had endured a very brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia, but succumbed to COVID. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sherry Baier was studying at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee where she met Frank Zurey. They married in 1965, moved to Colorado in 1969, and it has been home ever since. In 1977 Frank and Sherry moved to Coal Creek Canyon, where they built their home on 35 majestic acres atop Mt. Zurey and raised their two children.
Sherry enjoyed the serenity and small community of Coal Creek where she was a stranger to no one, according to Deanna. It made her day to work at Coal Creek Elementary School, where she loved every child that came in the door. Her caring spirit extended to her friends and family, especially through her love of cooking and shared meals. Sherry also loved to camp and travel and enjoyed regular trips to Alaska with Frank. When she was not adventuring, she employed her incredible creativity and indulged in many crafts, including tole painting, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and photography.
Survivors include husband Frank, son Frank IV and his partner David, daughter Deanna and her husband Tim Harrington, and granddaughters Emily and Katee Harrington. Contributions in Sherry’s memory can be made to Jeffco Serving Kids, an all-volunteer program of Jeffco Schools Foundation (jeffcoschoolsfoundation.org) that distributes clothing to local students in-need. For years Sherry made it a mission to gather new socks and undies to support this effort.