Sherilyn D Coleman

Sherilyn "Sherry" (Newman) Coleman, 74, of Sarasota, Florida, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor died peacefully on January 27, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Sherry was born in Berkeley, California on February 27, 1949 and grew up in Southboro, Massachusetts. Sherry graduated from Algonquin High School and Keuka College, and had a successful professional life. She lived in Massachusetts for most of her life, relocating to North Carolina, and later Florida.

Sherry was a passionate storyteller. You never quite knew where the story was going to take you. Sherry had a magic way of connecting with people and never met a stranger. When she smiled at you, your face instantly lifted into a smile, even if you were trying not to smile! Sherry was strong and determined, and almost always got her way!

Sherry was an avid kitchen dancer. She expressed her love through her cooking, and if a great beat came on or one of the favorite songs of her youth, Sherry would never pass up a chance to bust a move or sing along. Her energy was contagious.

Sherry delighted in the friendship she built with her daughter. She always said they were a package deal. You could not have one without the other. Sherry had an amazing group of treasured girlfriends she maintained for many decades and colleagues who became friends.

Sherry is survived by her loving daughter and best friend, Jessica Driscoll Whittaker, who she treasured with all of her heart, her son-in-law Phillip Whittaker who drove her crazy in all the best ways possible, and her grandson Liam George Whittaker who never ceased to bring a smile to her face and always looked forward to her "Mimi hug," and her loving partner Donald Hartwiger. She is also survived by her brother Laurence Newman and sister Pamela Swanson, nieces, and nephews. Sherry was predeceased by her father, Russell Wallace Newman, her mother, Dolores Braselman Newman, her brother, Keith Newman, and her beloved granddaughter Emma Elizabeth Whittaker.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Janice Eckles and the staff at Florida Cancer Specialists, Dr. Beverly Long, and Dr. Shruthi Janardhanan and the nurses at Tidewell Hospice House.

Everyone who remembers her is asked to celebrate Sherry's life in their own way, raising a glass of their favorite drink, having a delicious meal, and sharing the story of a lifetime in her memory would be quite appropriate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers, Keuka College, and the Emma Whittaker Fund at the SouthCoast Community Foundation.