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Dyer-Lake Funeral Home and Cremation Services - North Attleboro

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North Attleboro, Massachusetts

Shirin Rhyno Obituary

Sherry passed away peacefully after a long and courageous journey through cancer. The acclaimed oil and pastel painter lived her life to the fullest. Her beautiful, serene landscape paintings will continue to speak to all of us about taking in the beauty of life.

She was the daughter of Ted and Nouvelle Thomas of Attleboro, MA. She grew up appreciating beauty and art. She earned a degree in English at Lasell College and did graduate work at UMASS Boston and Boston University.

Sherry wove her love of art and creativity into a multifaceted career in communication. For over 30 years, she served at UMASS Boston as a marketing director, dean of students, and alumni president.

In addition, she actively furthered cultural non-profit work. She was one of the original incorporators of North Attleboro Community Television. She was also chairperson of North Attleboro's Charter Commission.

As a board member - and ultimately president - of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, she was instrumental in establishing Orleans as an official cultural district by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2013. Sherry was chair of the non-profit Orleans Community Partnership Inc. She also served on the boards of North TV and the Orleans Cultural District Town Committee.

After her distinguished tenure at UMASS, she managed her own marketing company and pursued her love of art. In 2008 she moved to Cape Cod and worked as an exhibiting artist at Gallery 31 and became sole proprietor in 2013. The gallery has been recognized by the readers of Cape Cod LIFE as Best Fine Arts Gallery in the Lower Cape for eight consecutive years.

Sherry met the love of her life, John, when he delivered her father's car. They were good friends for 25 years and married on May 27, 2000. They lavished a lot of love on their golden retrievers, and thoroughly enjoyed living on Cape Cod. In Sherry's final weeks, the only thing she asked was "where's John" and John was there right there by her side to hold her hand and that's all she cared about.

She is survived by her brother Edwin ("Ned") Thomas (Denise) of Williamsburg, VA; nieces Leigh Thomas-Williams of Crozet, VA; Heather Neff of Mills River, NC; Shana Thomas of Richmond, TX, and grandnephews Adam Thomas, Samuel Williams and Thomas Williams. She had a very special bond with John's godson Michael Todorsky and his partner Tracey DiNapoli.

Sherry leaves many special friends with countless beautiful memories, including Jackie Silva, Judy Thomas, Ellen Burns and Stacey Smith. She will be dearly missed by the many artists she represented, including Tony Alain, Stefanie Allen, Todd Ash, Paula David, Jennifer McCalmont, Paula Larkin, Richard McKinley, Deb Quinn-Munson, Sissi Schultze, Jeanne Rosier Smith, and Mary Wojciechowski.

A celebration of life for Sherry will be planned for a future date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun Chronicle on Apr. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirin Rhyno

Sponsored by Dyer-Lake Funeral Home and Cremation Services - North Attleboro.

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Danielle Snow

May 30, 2025

I am so sorry for You and Your Families loss. I send all my condolences

Debbie Oakes

May 28, 2025

I just learned of Sherry's passing and want to say how very sorry I am. I was privileged to work with her in Orleans to support the artists and art based businesses of the Cape. Her artwork was beautiful and her support of other artists through the Gallery was so thoughtful and generous. Her absence is sorely felt.

Jessica Danner

May 2, 2025

John and family, I am saddened to hear the news of Sherry´s passing. Though It´s been years since I last saw her, we kept in touch through Facebook. I first met Sherry at a college fair at my high school in 1995. She was a great mentor to me through my undergrad and graduate studies at UMASS Boston. I worked under her through the work-study program, and we often commuted to campus together. As an 18-year-old I looked up to Sherry as someone I wanted to emulate as she was authentic, kind, successful, and lived a happy life. Sherry helped me make my decision to apply to the MBA program at UMASS and her letter of recommendation was an integral part of my acceptance. My college career and career success were shaped in large part to her guidance, mentorship, and friendship. I think of her often and fondly and am so thankful our paths crossed 30 years ago. RIP my friend.

Judi Sulfaro

April 28, 2025

John, my thoughts are with you on the passing of your dear wife, Sherry. You lease know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
Judi Sulfaro

Richard Coffey

April 27, 2025

John, Our love goes out to you.
I know what cancer does to a loving couple.
Rick and Jeri Coffey

Paul Medeiros

April 26, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time.

The Staff of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home & Cremation Services

April 26, 2025

Our thoughts remain with you and your family at this time. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.

Cliff bassett

April 23, 2025

John I´m so sorry to hear this my condolences

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Dyer-Lake Funeral Home and Cremation Services - North Attleboro

161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02763

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