Sharon A. Dahms

Sharon Ann "Sherry" Dahms (Newcomer)(nee Burns)

On August 2nd, 2025, after a brief illness Sherry left us to begin her journey to heaven. There is no doubt in our hearts and minds that she had quite the reception committee greeting her.

Sherry is survived by her 3 children and 3 step children: Joyce (Scott) Newcomer, Jean Briseno, James Newcomer, Candi Sikraji, David (Diane) Dahms, Dan (Angie) Dahms, as well as grandchildren; Henry, Stefan (Rodrigo), Joshua, Dustin, Alexa, Ryan, Alicia, and Gavin, great-grandchildren: Jeremiah, Nevaeh, Ava, Kennedy, Jocelynn, Mateo, Valentino, and Elliana, nieces & nephews Carl (Kim) Bruschnig, Colleen (John) Erdmann, Vicki (Dennis) Cooper, extended family Bridget, Lorraine, Roberta, Sue, and many more family and friends.

In heaven she'll be meeting up with: her parents Susan & Walter Burns, her sister Kathy Burns, her grandson Adrian Briseno, Gary's parents, Harold and Virginia Dahms, and 2 brothers, Ralph and Charles Dahms, and family, friends, and cohorts in her life who have taken this adventure before her.

Born in Honolulu, Hawai'i on January 26th, 1945 and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin, in the house her dad built, Sherry was gifted with love, support, and encouragement throughout her life. She graduated from Mercy High School in 1963. She married her first husband, Dennis, a few years later and had 3 children prior to their divorce.

Sherry had a love for all things. She and the kids spent many days camping, visiting museums and concerts, the zoo, and parks. Summertime Tuesday nights in Humboldt Park were reserved for whatever music was playing at the Bandshell. Sherry attended MATC and UW-Milwaukee for many years, and got a BS in Psychology, graduating with Honors. She had plenty of chances to use that knowledge, taking in several teenage foster kids. Living within walking distance of the local high school helped her make sure they made it to most of their classes! There are many, many memories, smiles, and laughs that have been had over the years by us recalling some of those adventures. Sherry stayed in touch with many of the kids, and many of them remain our extended family to this day. She also spent time as a Boy Scout leader with her son's troop.

Over the years Sherry extended that caring heart to volunteer for a time with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and used that to add to the exposure she gave her children to a wide variety of music and people over the years. Sherry believed that being a good person was what counted, and your language, skin color, and "abilities" were just stuff on the side. She worked hard to instill this in all her kids, biological or not. She didn't want to tell you what to do, but she did want to be an example you could follow. She didn't live to teach, but to inspire. She also volunteered for nearly 30 years at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, sharing her kindness with people who often needed it more than she did.

As us kids got older, she took up square dancing, and met Gary Dahms, the love of her life. After dating a while, they decided to blend families, and were married in 1989. The joke was that between mom & her 2 girls and 1 boy, and Gary with his 2 boys and 1 girl, we had become the Brady Bunch! Well, except for the housekeeper. Sherry and Gary continued camping, and added the adventures of traveling with a custom van, then later an actual camper. They visited Maine, which included a 6-week camping trip to many states which had always been Mom's dream. Gary took her to Hawai'i, and Mom got to see where she'd been born. And they took a cruise to Alaska that involved a ship, trains, buses, ATVs, and a whole lot of pictures!

Sherry has been going to Immaculate Conception Church her whole life. She spent many many years in the Choir and with the Folk Group. Sherry's house was the Folk Group hang-out, and she loved that so many considered it their safe place.

Sherry's Memorial Service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 1023 East Russell Ave, Milwaukee, on Friday, August 8th. Visitation is from 9am until 11am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Family invites you to come share our smiles, tears, and memories, and welcome you to add your own.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation to BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) are appreciated.