Sherry Lee Richardson Coffey

1947 - 2021

Sherry Lee Richardson Coffey of Benicia died unexpectedly of an aggressive and previously undiagnosed autoimmune disorder on May 6, 2021. Her doctors and nurses at Kaiser Vallejo Hospital fought valiantly for her life and the family is grateful for their diligent efforts.Sherry was born to Rowena Coleman Richardson and James Albert Richardson during a snowstorm on December 9, 1947, at Mesa Memorial Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. She moved with her family to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Redlands, and White Canyon, UT before attending elementary school in Grand Junction, CO. She finished her high school education at Grand Canyon High School in Arizona and completed her higher education at Chico State (CSUC) earning a BA, an MA, and four teaching credentials.She quickly put her education to work in 1973. She taught at Benicia Middle School for over 30 years, where she served as the head of the English Department, the leader of her union, and an inspiration to thousands of students with her kind, thoughtful, and well-structured instruction.Sherry was not just an outstanding scholar and teacher. She had a wide range of interests and made friends wherever she went. As a youth she was involved in competitive swimming, Girl Scouts, and played guitar in a folk music band. As an adult she was an excellent skier and adventurous motorcycle rider. Later in life she became an avid bridge and bunco player. She was an essential member in many local community groups including AAUW, Friends of the Library, Carquinez Village, and several bridge and book clubs.Sherry's greatest "achievement" was her daughter, Georgina, whom Sherry called "the light of her life," at least until her granddaughters were born.Sherry was preceded in death by her parents and previous husbands, Bob Goodrich and Jeff Knight.She is survived by her daughter, Georgina Coffey Turner (Chris); granddaughters, Harper and Harriet; good friend, Jim Coffey; stepsons, Miles and Sebastian Goodrich (Talese); brother, Shane Richardson (Linda); nieces, Caitlin Richardson, Jennifer Ford, and Patricia Welsh; great-nephew, Liam James Richardson; dozens of cousins and her many friends.Due to Covid-19 restrictions, family services will be private. A memorial service for friends and coworkers will be held at a later date.Sherry believed education was critical for improving quality of life, especially for women and girls. The Benicia-Vallejo AAUW is accepting donations in her honor for their Teck Trek program. Checks made out to AAUW-Ca-SPF should be mailed to AAUW c/o, Wheels Up Wealth, 602 West K Street, Benicia, Ca 94510.A private scholarship fund has also been created in her honor: The Sherry Coffey Memorial - Academic and Community Service Excellence Scholarship Fund. Donations should be sent to Benicia High School, c/o Gina Marwick & Michele Gladi- BHS Counseling Office, 1101 Military West, Benicia, Ca 94510.Arrangements were handled by the Neptune Society of Northern California.
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