Sheri Grier

OXFORD - Sheri Grier, 64, longtime Oxford resident passed away peacefully on October 14 due to complications from her battle with leukemia. Her husband Bob was by her side holding her hand. She was just three days short of her 65th birthday. Sheri was born in Queens, New York, daughter of Elinor and Stanley Wain. She met her future husband Bob at a small graphic studio in Manhattan, where they worked together. There was love at first sight, and before long Sheri and Bob were inseparable. After living in New York City for a couple of years, they moved to Bob's home state of Connecticut. Whenever someone asked Sheri where she was from, she would say "I live in Connecticut but I'm from New York". Sheri never lost her Queens accent, but soon developed a love for Connecticut, and Oxford's small town charm. Sheri and Bob married in 1981 and both worked in various jobs until 1987 when they partnered with Curtis and Susan Ebdon to form Avisual inc. located in Shelton. After eight successful years, Curtis and Bob split the business so that each could concentrate on their separate creative skills. Sheri and Bob then formed Bob Grier Photography, LLC in Shelton in 1995. Bob was the photographer but Sheri was the heart of the studio. Besides handling all the booking and billing, Sheri enjoyed conversing with clients, lending a helping hand during a photo sessions, and serving delicious lunches. Customers of Bob Grier Photography may have started as clients, but because of Sheri became longterm friends. Sheri and Bob retired from the business in May 2023 and had been enjoying life since. Sheri was friendly, funny, and never met a stranger. She loved small local businesses and would try to promote them in any way she could. She made instant personal connections in almost every setting and that would become lifelong friendships locally and around the world. While going through her treatment, she had a WhatsApp support group that included friends from Bermuda, Germany, Venezuela, Argentina, Italy, London, and California. Bob's family started a "Team Sheri" support group which expanded to others who would wear her t-shirts and display her stickers. The support always kept her spirits lifted. Over the last 20 years Sheri grew to love the theatre, whether on Broadway or local community productions like those at Center Stage in Shelton. She and Bob would hop on Metro North into New York city whenever possible. They would often go on a Wednesday or a Saturday to see two shows in one day. Theatre became their favorite way to spend time together. Sheri was receiving treatment at Yale New Haven Smilow Hospital. Her journey began in late June when she was admitted to floor NP12. Sheri was given such warm care during her first stay that she insisted on treatment from NP12 whenever being readmitted. She was well known for her positive attitude and wacky sense of humor which she held on to despite the battle she faced. To show appreciation for her excellent care, Sheri would hand out small wooden hugs, hearts, and other tokens of appreciation. Sheri truly bonded with the NP12 staff and felt like she was surrounded by friends. Sheri would also want to thank the 7th floor Hematology Infusion Center where she went three times a week. She received wonderful care from her hematology doctor, as well as his staff. Sheri often performed good deeds for others, quietly, but for a time she was a very active member of the Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. For many years, she was the brains behind the very successful multiyear chocolate fundraisers. Sheri was also a frequent blood donor who donated 87 pints in her lifetime. She would want to encourage anyone who is able to donate blood and/or platelets. The most repeated comment made about Sheri from those who knew her is that "She was one of a kind." Yes she was! Sheri is survived by her husband Bob, sisters-in-law Karen Zaleski (John) of Cromwell, Nancy Grier of Ellington, Joan Grier of Farmington, and Jacqueline Grier of Cromwell; Nephews Jay Zaleski (Amanda) of Cromwell, Michael Zaleski (Alex Felicetti) of West Orange, NJ, Niece Katelyn Zaleski (Dave Tar) of Sunnyside, NY; Grand-nephews Sebby and Jack. Grand-niece, Zoey, plus many loving cousins. Sheri is predeceased by her parents Stanley (1999) and Elinor Wain (2014). Sheri is also survived by her sister Jaclyn Wain and brother Gary Wain (Marlene) both of Palm Harbor, FL. She had many other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins from Florida and other parts of the world. All who knew Sheri are invited to an interfaith celebration of her life on November 22nd at 1:00 PM at the Huntington Congregational Church (19 Church St., Shelton, CT 06484). A reception will follow immediately in the community room. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Bob at rememberingsheri124@Gmail.com. For those unable to be there in person, the service will be live-streamed on Facebook; please email Bob for details. In the spirit of Sheri's generosity, attendees are invited to bring a non-perishable food item for the HCC "Blessing Box," which supports the Valley Food Bank. Sheri deeply admired and was inspired by Staff Sergeant Travis Mills (Ret.) ever since reading his 2016 memoir, "Tough As They Come." Travis is a retired US Army soldier who became a quadruple amputee while serving in Afghanistan and now runs a free retreat in Maine for post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families. Sheri had the privilege of visiting the retreat and meeting Travis in person in October 2024. She was, to say the least, impressed by both him and the retreat. When she admired the hat he was wearing, Travis took it off, autographed it, and gave it to her. It became one of her most treasured possessions. Donations can be made to: Travis Mills Foundation 647 Castle Island Road, Mt. Vernon, ME 04352 Sheri was also a longtime supporter of the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven. She would shop for bargains and buy items that could be used at the House. It was on a visit delivering items about 20 years ago that she and Bob met a family from Venezuela whose young son was being treated for cancer at Yale Children's Hospital. That boy is now a 24-year-old man and a survivor. Sheri remained friends with the family until the very end of her life. The Ronald McDonald House helps many families like this with comfort, lodging, and meals. Sheri would be honored with any contributions of either supplies or money. Donations can be made to: Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut 860 Howard Ave. New Haven, CT 06519