Virginia Sheret

Virginia Sheret
of Tunkhannock, PA
Virginia Sheret, 99, died December 2, 2007 at the United Methodist Home, Tunkhannock, PA, after months of declining health. Born in Albion, N.Y., Virginia was the seventh of nine children of John G. and Anna Wickizer Sheret. They all predeceased her. Virginia, after receiving a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Buffalo State College, began teaching in 1938. In 1944, she was recruited by the Army to serve as a hospital dietitian. Thus, she began a career as an Army officer, serving in Germany, France, Japan and stateside in Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. She retired in 1968 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, the highest rank ever attained by a woman at the time. After retirement, Virginia returned to her farm in Pennsylvania where she honed her skill as a potter, a craft she studied under the tutelage of Shoji Hamada, the renowned Japanese potter, while living in Japan. Well-known for her beautiful handmade pieces, Virginia's pottery graces the homes of many local collectors. Virginia is survived by her devoted sister-in-law, Wilma Sheret; many nieces, nephews, and their families; dear friends, Joanna and Jerry Higgins; and lifelong friend, Cornelis Kirschenbaum. The family wishes to thank the staff of the United Methodist Home, Tunkhannock and Heartland Hospice for the thoughtful and loving care they gave Virginia, especially in her final months.
At Virginia's request, there will be no service. Interment will be in the family plot in Mt. Albion Cemetery, Albion, N.Y. and a gathering in Virginia's memory will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.