Sharon Joyce Thomas

Sharon Joyce Thomas (née Masek), age 74, of New London, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 19, 1951, in Euclid, Ohio, Sheri lived a life marked by devotion to her faith and her family. She placed priority on encouraging others and sharing her faith in God and Jesus Christ. She certainly touched many people throughout her lifetime.
As a young girl, Sheri was recruited to sprint in the junior Olympics. She was fast and had a fierce competitive spirit. She loved to outrun boys in her barefeet! She also loved playing and watching baseball. Sheri's love for competition was apparent always, whether playing euchre, Pinochle, ping pong or any activity where victory could be achieved. Of course she passed this down to her children and grandchildren along with the wisdom of how to play and be a good sport.
Sheri attended Baldwin Wallace College, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Toby, on a blind date. She pledged to the Phi Mu sorority, where she made lifelong bonds with friends. Sheri earned a BA in education and went on to dedicate herself to teaching young minds as a third-grade teacher in New London. After marrying, Toby and Sheri built a home on the family farm. When the first baby came along, Sheri chose to be a stay-at-home mom full time. She would not return to teaching, but her passion for education and her nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on countless students.
A woman of deep faith, Sheri accepted salvation while attending the New London Alliance Church and through all her health challenges and life sorrows she held onto her profound love for the Lord. Her desire for others to find and grow in faith was evident in how she lived each day-with kindness, humility, and unwavering belief.
In addition to the people she loved, Sheri was enthusiastic about a few things in life: knowing and loving God; playing and watching golf; the Cleveland Indians; and finding a cure for illnesses. As a survivor of breast cancer, she was an advocate for early and proactive detection. When she received news of her Multiple Myeloma diagnosis, she brought hope and tenacity to the fight. Sheri was also dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis.
Sheri is survived by her husband, Toby, who shared with her a steadfast love throughout 52 years of marriage. Sheri is also survived by her children Trent (Kelly) Thomas, Danielle (Andre) Burkholder, and Kim (Sean) Roschie. Those who affectionately call her Nana include Emilie (Sam), Cassidie, Jaiden, Presley, Roran, Quinn, Tobyn, Killian, Valen, and Sully. Her grandchildren were the light of her later years, and she loved the time they spent together.
Others who survive Sheri include her brothers Ron (Beverly) Masek and Tim Masek; her brothers-in-law Jay (Cheryl) Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Joe (Sarah) Thomas, and Billy (Christine) Thomas; her sisters-in-law Mary Masek, Pat (Bob) Shiels, Cindy Hay, and Jill (Eric) Mitchell; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and cherished friends Barbie Casey and Phyllis (Dale) Wein.
Her beloved dogs Abby and Hope were constant companions who brought comfort and happiness into her home.
Sheri was preceded in death by her parents Pearl Koriath and Clare Masek; her parents-in-law Bob and Shirley Thomas; her brother Rich Masek; her brother-in-law Richie Thomas; her sister-in-law Janet Thomas; lifelong friends Carla Hoppe and Dee Brown; and many beloved friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 2:00-3:30 at the New London Alliance Church. A Memorial Service will begin at 3:30pm. Arrangements were entrusted to Eastman Funeral Home. Fond memories and online condolences may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.
May Sheri's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire lives rooted in love, faith, and generosity. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following:
St. Jude’s Children Hospital by donating at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by donating at: https://www.cff.org/donate
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