Sheri A. Sakakini

1946 - 2019

Sheri A. Sakakini, surrounded by her loving husband of 41 years, Kamal, and children, Michelle, Jennifer, and Jeffrey, died peacefully at her Charlotte home the morning of March 14, 2019.

Sheri was born in Bainbridge, MD on December 5, 1946 to the late Frances Leo Goughary and Shirley Odell Goughary. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael Goughary.

Sheri was a graduate of South "Philly" High School and attended Syracuse University. While living in Philadelphia, she was a "Regular" on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. Throughout her life Sheri had a passion for dancing. Although weak, on the day before she died, Sheri danced the cha-cha with her husband, Kamal, in their kitchen.

Sheri was passionate about organization and helping others find ways to have quality time with their families. Being married to a country club manager, Sheri understood the challenges and importance of time well spent. She counseled club manager spouses and decided it was time for the first Club Management Association of America Ladies Auxiliary to be organized. She held the first meeting in 1986. The CMAALA spread nation wide.

Furniture and interior design was another passion of Sheri's. She purchased Designer Furniture Warehouse in 1997 and offered free decorating services to her customers. She sold her business in 2004.

Her passion for tennis earned Sheri a ranking in the United States Tennis Association in doubles tennis. Her passion for flowers was evident by the beautiful blooms in her back yard and on the deck. The fragrance attracted bumblebees and hummingbirds, all of which she named. Animals recognized her enthusiasm for nature and soon Lucy, the doe, and her six fawns became daily backyard visitors. Lucy enjoyed eating her meals out of Sheri's hand.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Sheri, or Cici, as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, lived a life of devotion to her husband and family. Every Sunday evening was cherished by Sheri because the entire family gathered to enjoy the delicious dinner she had prepared. Christmas was also special to Sheri because she loved to give rather than receive. Year round Sheri gave of herself to others in need and she always looked out for everyone, including God's creatures, furry, feathered, large or small.

Sheri was an amazing woman, feisty, kind, and amusing. Her presence would brighten any room. She loved God and all of God's creation, and will be deeply missed.

Sheri is survived by a family whom she adored; husband Kamal A. Sakakini; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Tom Anderson of Omaha, NE; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Larry Kistler of Charlotte; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Rebecca Sakakini of Charlotte; sister Susan Goughary of Jacksonville, FL; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Kaleb and Benjamin Kallstrom of Omaha, NE; Carson and Peyton Kistler of Charlotte; Noah Kamal and Carter Morgan Sakakini of Charlotte; niece Nicole Butrimas and husband Bron of Jacksonville, FL; great-nieces, Olivia and Maddie Butrimas of Jacksonville, FL; and furry loves Shih Tzu, Bailey and Cocker Spaniel, Riley.

Visitation will be at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210 on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 4 - 7 pm.

A Celebration of Sheri's life will be in Belk Chapel at Queens University, 2234 Radcliff Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207 on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 1:30 pm. The Reverend Monta Maki will be officiating.

Burial will be private.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.