Sheryl L "Goler" Richards

Sheryl (Goler) Richards, of Boston and Mashpee, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by love. Her family celebrates her life with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind.

Born and raised in Roxbury, one of Boston's most historic neighborhoods, Sheryl was a proud graduate of English High School. She was one of twelve siblings and grew up in a large, close-knit family where loyalty, resilience, and love formed the foundation of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Goler and LaRue (Dymond) Goler, as well as her beloved siblings, Leonard Joseph Goler Jr and Clarice.

She is survived by her devoted life partner, Leno Mendes; her sisters and brothers: Patricia (Pat), Angela (Angie), Michelle (Michie), Lynda, Debra (Debbie), Jo-Anne (Tootsie), Lisa, Steven, and Leonard II. Her loving sons, Tony (Yadira) and Elijah (Shanice); and her cherished grandchildren, Arianna, Layla, Amaia, and Kingston. The bond she shared with her family was lifelong and deeply treasured.

Sheryl was a devoted mother and proud grandmother. Being a mother and grandmother was her greatest joy. She was the steady presence, the protector, and the heart of her family - always ensuring her children and grandchildren were cared for, encouraged, and connected.

Throughout her life, Sheryl held numerous administrative roles rooted in service and purpose. She dedicated much of her career to housing and tenant advocacy, supporting residents - particularly seniors and elderly individuals - and ensuring they were treated with dignity and care. In her final role at a senior living apartment community, she continued serving residents with compassion and attentiveness. She also volunteered for several years in hospice care, providing comfort and support to individuals and families at the end of life. Caring for others was not simply something she did - it was who she was.

In her later years, she made Mashpee, Massachusetts her new home - a historic Cape Cod community and the ancestral home of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The town's deep Indigenous roots and cultural legacy held special meaning for her. Her Native American heritage as a member of the Natick Nipmuc Tribe was a source of deep pride and identity, and she carried that heritage with honor.

In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her presence.

Sheryl found joy in life's simple and meaningful moments - Christmas movies, music filling her home, and family gatherings that meant everything to her. Though she may not have measured wealth in material possessions, she was abundantly rich in kindness, generosity, and love.

She leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, service, and strength. While she will be deeply missed, her love remains present in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.