Sherry L. Thurston

Sherry L. Thurston passed away on March 18th 2025 at the age of 77, having lived most of her life in Groton.

Born July 29, 1947, Sherry was the daughter of the late Kenneth L. Stevens and Augusta (Davis) Stevens McLean and Paul F. McLean. Sherry graduated from Groton High School, received her Associate's Degree in Human Services at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC-3) and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree at Empire State College at the age of 60. She worked at the FSA Day Care Center at TC-3 for nine years. She was also employed at the Finger Lakes Independence Center (FLIC) as a Peer Counselor. She was not only an Advocate for the Disabled, but also a Service Coordinator under the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waver Program, assisting people to stay out of nursing homes and aiding those in nursing homes to live in the community by providing them with the necessary services to live independently.

Sherry was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a Mayflower descendant.

She was awarded the Martha Washington Medal from the Sons of the American Revolution for her assistance in helping her Registrar husband, Wayne.

Sherry enjoyed helping others, camping, genealogy research, flower gardening, and relaxing on sunny beaches.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Wayne; daughters, Kimberly (Timothy) Shadle, of Skaneateles, and Tracy (Keith) Abbott, of Lisle, NY; grandchildren: Justin and Allison Shadle and Lucas and Ryan Abbott; two sisters: Sonia Stevens and Brenda McLean, both of NY; a nephew, Paul (Toni) Morehouse; and many friends.

Calling hours will be held at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton on Saturday, March 29 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow the calling hours. Burial will be private. Contributions can be made to Gadabout, 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850, phone: 607-273-1878, or to the American Red Cross, 620 East Main St., Endicott, NY 13760. Online condolences may also be shared at www.shurtleffservices.com .