Sherry Lynn Gibbons Decorte

1956 - 2016

Sherry Lynn Gibbons Decorte

March 20, 1956 - October 4, 2016

Salem - Sherry Lynn Gibbons Decorte, beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away October 4, 2016 in Salem after a short battle with cancer. Sherry was born on March 20, 1956 in Lancaster, California, but spent her formative years in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she attended Skyline High School. In 1985, She moved to Boise, Idaho, where she met the love of her life John Diaz. Sherry next moved to Salem in 2003 where she attended Chemeketa Community College, earning a degree in early childhood education. She worked for several years in that field, most recently with the Head Start Program in Salem.

Sherry was a woman of faith who made friends easily and had a lot of love in her heart. She loved her family, her friends, her dogs, and just about every one she met. But, she particularly loved her little students at Head Start, and they dearly miss her. Sherry found her calling in teaching, spending a lot of time preparing ways to teach more effectively and to connect with her students. She was always great with children, who gravitated to her. She also loved to go camping and do embroidery, and had a special place in her heart for the less fortunate—children or adults—and would go out of her way to help others.

Sherry always remembered birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, when she would send cards full of love and encouragement. She loved to read and to write, and wrote several touching poems during her life. Everyone who knew or loved her will remember her smile, her laugh, her quick wit and sense of humor, and the twinkle in her eyes.

Sherry is survived by her mother and father, Trudy and Chuck Gibbons; her children Aislyn DeCorte and Charles DeCorte; her sisters Julie Headrick, Cindy Gibbons, and Kelly Gibbons; her brother Stephen Gibbons; her granddaughter Kylie and her grandson Jonathan; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; and many friends. Her partner John Diaz and her brother Curtis Gibbons preceded her in death. There will be a memorial service in Boise, Idaho at a later date. Arrangements are by City View Funeral Home.