Sherrin Marshall

Sherrin Marshall of Crownsville, Maryland, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, respected historian, and compassionate pastor, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on September 6, 1943,
Sherrin was an only child whose boundless curiosity defined her life and work. This intellectual drive led her to pursue a PhD in History from Tufts University, where her passion for European history (with a focus on Holland during the Renaissance and Reformation) flourished. Her rigorous scholarship resulted in the publication of her book, The Dutch Gentry 1500-1650, and she also contributed the seminal chapter, "Women in the Reformation Era," to the collection Becoming Visible: Women in European History. Later in life, Sherrin's deep and enduring faith also guided her to earn a Master's in Divinity.
She went on to serve as the Senior Pastor at Pasadena United Methodist Church until her retirement, where she touched many lives with her wisdom and spiritual devotion. Sherrin's life outside of academia and the ministry was marked by the warmth she extended to many family and friends. She was a lover of books, and an avid home cook. Her kids loved her delicious cheesecake, a recipe about which she was very self-deprecating. She lovingly taught her daughter, Joanna, the special family recipe for cutout Christmas cookies so that we can pass this tradition down to the next generation.
One of her recent cherished memories was a trip to Holland with her companion, Alan, where she enjoyed seeing the beautiful Rembrandts and Vermeers exhibit and demonstrated her prowess at eating herring like a local. Sherrin was predeceased by her first two husbands, Gerry Wijntjes and Doug Smith.
She is survived by her loving children, Jesse Wijntjes and Joanna Hershberger, her son-in-law David Hershberger, and her four devoted grandchildren, Allison, Amanda, Rosa, and Clara. She is also survived by her dear friend and companion, Alan Mayer-Sommer. Sherrin will be deeply missed. She will be remembered for her kind heart, sharp intellect, and the enduring love she held for her family and her faith.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 11:00 AM at Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Rd Severna Park, MD 21146.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Severna Park United Methodist Church.