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Sherry McKIBBEN Obituary
On January 29, 2014, former Edmonton City Councillor, social worker and committed community activist, Sherry McKibben, passed away at age 69. Sherry touched many lives and shaped many communities.
Over her career, Sherry was the Executive Director of the Boyle McCauley Health Centre, Norwood Community Services Centre and HIV Edmonton. She was candidate, President and Chief of Staff with the Alberta NDP. She contributed her energy to many social justice causes locally and internationally. At the time of her passing she worked with Home Care, Alberta Health Services and wrote a column on aging for the Boyle McCauley News.
Sherry is survived by her wife, Karen Matthews; daughters, Rhianna and Rowan Flaherty and Kathleen Thompson; sister, Sylvia (Doug) Flood and many other loving family members.
She is predeceased by her parents, John and Herta Schymizek.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Maclab Theatre in the Citadel, 9828 - 101A Avenue.
In lieu of other tributes, donations can be made to Crossroads International, HIV Edmonton or the Boyle McCauley Health Centre.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14 Entries
Judy Minchinton
February 19, 2014
I have always felt so lucky that Sherry and I worked together for a few years and we became real friends. I so admired her; integrity, fairness, intelligence, and ability to cut through the __ and get to the work.
Karen my deepest condolences to you and hope that you will quickly get to being comforted by the memories the two of you created.
Barbara Tompkins
February 8, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Sherry s family in your loss.She was a tremendous role model for social workers , the strength to run for public office and serve the people of Edmonton at that level is rare.Though I worked at distance from her work, it enhanced our area as well.
Kim O'Leary
February 8, 2014
Sherry's light that she brought to the world will live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched. Sherry you touched my heart many years ago and called me into a new chapter of my life. Thank you!
Donna Southworth
February 7, 2014
Sherry and I crossed paths over many years and I was always impressed by her caring and concern for others.She never gave up on her causes.
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Valerie Parr
February 7, 2014
So sorry to hear of Sherry's passing. Sherry was a woman with spirit,when she took on an issue - she took it on!! I am grateful our paths crossed over the years including Sherry and Karen being a host family for a participant pair of the International Women's Exchange. Karen you are in my thoughts, so sorry for your loss.
Dennis Flaherty
February 6, 2014
Karen, Rhianna, Rowan and family I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in each other and undoubtedly the support of many as you grieve your loss.
Doris (Struck) Quinn
February 6, 2014
To Sherry's Family....on behalf of the Struck family (Klaus and Gisela were good friends with Herta and John), I would like to express our sincere regret at the loss of Sherry. May you find comfort in the presence of your nearest and dearest.
Christina Martensson
February 5, 2014
I worked in a partnering organization (Interfaith) to HIV Edmonton for three years. Our offices were side by side for quite awhile. She was an incredibly intelligent and articulate woman. We attended many events, meetings, lunches etc. She was a woman who wore her power well. I learned a lot from her. I am sorry to hear of her death.
To her children and to her partner of so many years - i extend my deepest sympathies to you all and please know that you all are being held closing in so many hearts as you go through this process of saying goodbye.
Sarah Hoffman
February 5, 2014
I'm still shocked about Sherry's sudden passing. While I knew here initially through political and activist work, I knew her best as a loving daughter who visited her mom at McQueen place (often when I was visiting my grandmother). Sherry was a caring woman who worked to make this world a more inclusive and loving place. We will miss her ongoing fight to improve society and we are grateful for the ways she changed ours.
Lorne Dach
February 5, 2014
Shocked to hear of Sherry's passing. She insisted upon respect for and from everyone. She certainly had mine. Sincere condolences to Karen & family.
Theresa Healy
February 5, 2014
I did not know Sherry but if Karen loved her she was good people. My sympathies to Karen and the family.
Tony Man in 't Veld
February 5, 2014
It's nearly 20 years to the day that we went canvassing from door to door to ask for that fragile vote to get you onto Edmonton City Council. We encountered disappointment, some very scary moments but most of all hope and humor and that you carried with you all the way. Thank you for showing that to all of us.
Sjachnaz Pengel
February 5, 2014
I'm thankfull off all sche share with me.lots of love and blessing
Sjachnaz Pengel from Suriname
February 5, 2014
Sherry's courage and laughter will continue to inspire me always. Linda Manintvled
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