HELEN J. SHERRY

SHERRY, HELEN J July 19, 1927 to Jan. 9, 2011 Helen passed peacefully to her Creator at the age of 83, surrounded by her beloved husband and children. An internationally acclaimed artist and haiku poet, she was deeply devoted to her family, dedicated in her religious beliefs, and was a long time friend of Bill W. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Helen was raised in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Claude and Helen Ucker. She attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. Helen married Edward J. Sherry in 1947 and together they raised five children, eventually settling in Columbus, Ohio, where he built a successful business. She studied at the Columbus College of Art & Design while balancing the demands of raising a family. Her artistic career blossomed with exhibitions of her paintings and commissions for stained glass design. Haiku poetry became a major facet of her creative expression, and she served as Ohio President of the National League of American Pen Women, with standing in both Arts and Letters. In 1987 Helen and her husband relocated to Rancho Bernardo, CA, and in the years that followed she saw the arrival of six wonderful grandchildren. Helen's beloved husband Ed passed away after celebrating fifty-five years together. Later she re-connected with her long time close friend Mike McGee, a retired Columbus, Ohio architect. In 2004 they were married, and Helen welcomed the addition of Mike's family into her life. They cherished over six years together, during which time Helen's work continued to evolve, leading to Signature Memberships in five Watercolor Societies. She has exhibited at galleries in states from Alaska to Florida. Most recently, her painting 'Quake' was featured in The Artist's Magazine. Helen wrote several books of haiku poetry, and has been published in numerous international haiku journals. Known by all as a generous, loving and gentle person, her signature statement of "Peace and Love" defines her. She will be missed by all. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Edward Sherry, her parents Claude and Helen Ucker, siblings William, John, Robert, and adopted brother Rev. Gerald Ucker. She is survived by her husband Manly L. "Mike" McGee, her sister Joanne McIllwain of Pinehurst, NC, her children Helen Marie Sherry, PhD. of Nipomo, CA, Kathleen Sherry Isenberg of Brea, CA, John Sherry of San Luis Obispo, CA, Eileen Sherry of Fullerton, CA, Michael Sherry of Poway, CA, 6 grandchildren: Colin & Bryan Sherry Quennell, Elizabeth & Michael Isenberg, Timothy & Jana Sherry, 6 step children: Rebecca Holland, Kevin McGee, Dennis McGee, Michelle McGee-McCoy, Elizabeth McGee-Harden and Martha McGee, 15 step grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, January 13 from 5-7pm at the chapel of San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive. Vigil prayers will be at 7pm followed immediately by the Rosary. Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 14 in the main sanctuary. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Lung Association.