Obituary of Sherry Ann Wheatley

53, of Windsor Road, NS, passed away March 10, 2022 at Bridgewater, NS. Born in Halifax, she was the daughter of Ronald and Dorothy (Dot) Wheatley of Bedford. Sherry brought beauty into the world through her crafts, garden, sense of humour and caring heart. Her love of plants developed through several jobs as a florist to her work at Oceanview Home and Garden in Chester, where she was office manager for 20 years. Her garden grew everything from flowers to peaches to chili peppers, and inside the house her green thumb kept plants of all sorts – always called by their full Latin names – thriving. She was a hard worker, an honest dealer and industrious even in leisure; her cross-stitched art hangs in many homes, and friends and family will think of her every Christmas when we bring out the many ornaments she made and gifted us, graced with her initials and the year, tied atop her presents. Sherry’s quick wit and sense of humour made for good laughs and long conversations; she didn’t suffer fools (especially if they woke her up when she was sleeping) but her friendships were deep, loyal, and lifelong. She picked her life partner Rus because “he was smart and could play the guitar”; together they built a warm and beautiful home that hosted music, parties, good food and community. After years of enjoying his music from the dance floor she took his invitation to help launch Reggae Roots, the south shore’s homegrown reggae dance band, where she contributed hand percussion, backing vocals, and plenty of hugs to go around. Sherry loved crystals and rocks, building a collection from around the world; each of her nieces and nephews have an assortment picked and labelled especially for them by Aunt Sherry. She was a caregiver, looking after family, friends, and her beloved dogs with energy, commitment, and love, even if they received her famous eyerolls now and then. Sherry was resourceful, common-sense, and thrifty; she provided a younger generation with the definition of what it means to be “salt of the earth.” She faced her battle with cancer with courage and grace, using it to develop her own spirituality and healing practice, achieving Reiki level 1. Although we hate to say farewell, we’ll always think of her number one question before going out: “Will there be dancing?” If Sherry’s there, we know the answer is yes. Sherry is survived by her partner, Rus Winham of 32 years; brother and sister Ron and Christine Wheatley; father, Ron; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her mother, Dot (Blackburn) Wheatley. A celebration of life will be held at a future time, with dancing. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Cancer Society, or animal shelter or food bank of your choice.