I was home and getting ready to move west in 1975. I was heading to Tucson to spend the summer with college friends. Found out Sheryl was visiting from San Francisco, where she was working as a nurse. I went over to say hi. She said - "If we leave now and drive straight through, I could get back to work on time in 3 days."
I was pretty well packed up, so we threw her bike and a few other things in the back and left then and there. We drove for 3 days trading off every couple of hours. The one problem was that the van was a stick and she didn't know how to drive one. She would get in the driver's seat and off we would go. I'd sit on the center engine cover and shift gears until it was into 3rd. When she needed to trade out, she would coast into a rest area and stop.
We got to Reno and it was snowing on Donner Pass - in June. I had no chains and it was a big Dodge Tradesman van. I had friends there, so drove to Grayhound, put her on the bus, and went to my friend's house and slept for 2 days. I delivered Sheryl's bike and luggage and stayed for a few days. Then headed down to Tucson.
I returned to SF in September and stayed with her for a few weeks while I looked for a job and a place to live. That was a fun time - discovering San Francisco. Sheryl lived two blocks off of Haight and Ashbury, and about 4 blocks from Golden Gate Park. In a tiny 3rd floor apartment. She introduced me to sourdough bread and homemade guacamole. And took me for my first look at the Pacific Ocean at 2 AM.
Sheryl was always an upbeat, unpretentious sweetie. Just a few weeks ago I was wishing her a happy 73rd birthday, and now I must bid her farewell. May she have eternal rest. Here is how I will remember her: the photo that I took at our 50th reunion. Pat
I have known Sheryl from Grammar School # 41. She brings me wonderful memories and I am deeply saddened by her death. Rest in the Peace of the Lord, Sheryl.
We all mourn your passing. We share the loss in many ways. You touched so many lives in positive ways. You will be missed. Rest in peace you beautiful spirit.
Anyone wishing to see her official obituary can view it at this link and make direct memorial comments to her family:
Susan Karkkainen (Johnson)
Such a loss. I remember you as a caring and loving person. RIP
Carol Maida (Randazzo)
So Sad - she was such a happy person - I remember her at the reunions always laughing and smiling.
Carol Woods (Thompson)
Will miss you deeply. So many adventures.
I was home and getting ready to move west in 1975. I was heading to Tucson to spend the summer with college friends. Found out Sheryl was visiting from San Francisco, where she was working as a nurse. I went over to say hi. She said - "If we leave now and drive straight through, I could get back to work on time in 3 days."
I was pretty well packed up, so we threw her bike and a few other things in the back and left then and there. We drove for 3 days trading off every couple of hours. The one problem was that the van was a stick and she didn't know how to drive one. She would get in the driver's seat and off we would go. I'd sit on the center engine cover and shift gears until it was into 3rd. When she needed to trade out, she would coast into a rest area and stop.
We got to Reno and it was snowing on Donner Pass - in June. I had no chains and it was a big Dodge Tradesman van. I had friends there, so drove to Grayhound, put her on the bus, and went to my friend's house and slept for 2 days. I delivered Sheryl's bike and luggage and stayed for a few days. Then headed down to Tucson.
I returned to SF in September and stayed with her for a few weeks while I looked for a job and a place to live. That was a fun time - discovering San Francisco. Sheryl lived two blocks off of Haight and Ashbury, and about 4 blocks from Golden Gate Park. In a tiny 3rd floor apartment. She introduced me to sourdough bread and homemade guacamole. And took me for my first look at the Pacific Ocean at 2 AM.
I'll miss you, buddy.
Patricia Ann Adams (Justicia-Linde)
Sheryl was always an upbeat, unpretentious sweetie. Just a few weeks ago I was wishing her a happy 73rd birthday, and now I must bid her farewell. May she have eternal rest. Here is how I will remember her: the photo that I took at our 50th reunion. Pat
Diane Bopp (Howell)
Diane Bopp (Howell)
I have known Sheryl from Grammar School # 41. She brings me wonderful memories and I am deeply saddened by her death. Rest in the Peace of the Lord, Sheryl.
Gary Cronk
My class Secretary, Senior Prom date and loved Cheerleader now rests in the eternal glory of our Lord,s
Heavenly Kindom. I'm at a loss for words. What great times were spent together as classmates at #41 School
as well as JMHS. Her golden smile could always brighten up a bad day you were having. May she always rest
in peace watching over us. My friend--------One day we will again meet! Until then I will miss you dearly. GC
Don Brown
Sheryl's big smile and upbeat personality are the first things that come to mind. She exuded happiness and warmth RIP Sheryl!
Doris Palmer (Farrell)
Our deepest sympathy to Sheryl's family. We pray the wonderful memories you have will help you through this difficult time.
God Bless, Mick and Doris
John Townes
We all mourn your passing. We share the loss in many ways. You touched so many lives in positive ways. You will be missed. Rest in peace you beautiful spirit.
Anyone wishing to see her official obituary can view it at this link and make direct memorial comments to her family:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/sheryl-mcelheny-10146889