Sherry Lee Wachtel

Wachtel, Sherry Lee (DuBose, Cook) October 28, 1957 – May 23, 2025 Wachtel, Sherry Lee (DuBose, Cook) passed away on May 23, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 67. Born on October 28, 1957, in Vero Beach, Florida, Sherry lived a life rooted in love, kindness, and deep devotion to her family and friends. Sherry was a graduate of Vero Beach High School in 1975, and received a BS in Civil Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Over the years, she worked at DuBose Jewelers in Vero Beach, the Indian River County Tax Collector's office, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and later with Campus to Coast Realty in Gainesville. In each role, she brought thoughtfulness, diligence, and a warm spirit that made a lasting impression on those she worked with. Survivors include husband John Wachtel of Gainesville, FL. Daughter Betsy (Bernard) Brzezinski of Gainesville, FL. Grandchildren Braddock and Bennett Brzezinski. Siblings Ray (Linda) DuBose of Newnan, GA, John (Peggy) DuBose of Okeechobee, FL, Mike (Sandy) DuBose of Vero Beach, FL, Terry (Fred) Parker of Vero Beach, FL, and Merry (Pat) Cobb of Columbia, SC. Nieces and nephews include: Rob (Cindy) DuBose, Charlotte (Scott, deceased) Lunsford, Joy (Craig) Sowers, Tammy DuBose, Tim (Karen) DuBose, Todd (Tonya) DuBose, Troy DuBose, David (Jennifer) DeGraeve Jr., Kelly (Kelly) DeGraeve-Claytor, Madison (Ben) Robertson, Allison Cobb, Alexandria (Bryan) Wachtel-Gross, Logan (Garrett) Wachtel, Brittany Schrek, and Quentin Schrek. Great nieces and great nephews include: Callie, James, Cody, Ida Lee, Sarah (Michael), Yates, Sage, Brie, Kylee, Taylor, Emily, Delaney, Trasin, Trevor, Isaiah, Peyton, and Nehemiah. Father-in-law Stan (Louis) Wachtel. Brothers-in-law Larry (Nanci) Wachtel of Boca Raton, FL and Adam Wachtel of Winter Garden, FL. Sister-in-law Karen Wachtel of Sacramento, CA. Sherry was predeceased by her parents, Mary Patricia Roberts DuBose and Robert George DuBose of Vero Beach, FL. Uncles Fred DuBose, and Carroll Roberts. Aunts Betty DuBose, and Beverly Turbyfill. Mother-in-law Tam Wachtel. To know Sherry was to be cared for in the truest sense. She was a devoted wife and mother, a joyful grandmother to two spirited grandsons, and a loyal sister and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and everything she did was rooted in love for them. Sherry had a gentle strength that made people feel safe, a laugh that could light up any room, and a rare gift for making those around her feel seen and valued. She never forgot a birthday and somehow found a way to make even ordinary moments special. Her kindness was steady, quiet, and constant-the kind of love that doesn't ask for recognition, but leaves the world softer and more beautiful just by being in it. She was a talented cook-known especially for her homemade jellies. She had a crafty spirit and a natural gift for sewing, often creating thoughtful, handmade items for others. A lifelong reader, she always had a book nearby. She enjoyed watching the theatre and appreciated the magic of live performances. Sherry also loved simple travel, taking trips to explore new destinations and attend meaningful events. Her green thumb was evident in the way she nurtured her plants and garden, bringing life and beauty to every space she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to make someone feel loved today, just as Sherry did, every day of her life.