It’s been a little over a year since Sheri left us, and we hope and pray that she is finally at peace.
Sheri was born November 22, 1962, in Palo Alto, CA, to mother Barbara Stowe Dougherty and father Phil West, Sr. Her family nickname was “Sunshine” and she brought a lot of it to many, many people in her lifetime.
After high school, Sheri went to Empire Business College in Santa Rosa, CA. She had many bookkeeping and managerial jobs in the business world and learned much about the restaurant, wine, and automotive business.
Sheri was feisty, smart as the proverbial whip, and had a wonderful sense of humor. But most of all, Sheri was a splendid person with a huge heart. Her life had many personal struggles and tragedies and she experienced many complex health issues in her life. Sheri knew firsthand what it was like to need help from others. She never forgot this, and she always helped others as she could, especially advocating for them.
Sheri worked incredibly hard to recover her mobility from a spinal cord injury and multiple surgeries. Her mottos were “never, never, never give up” and “be large and in charge” and for most of her life she held fast to this.
A love of traveling and a love affair with cooking provided her friends and family with many treats and gifts. One of her favorite things to do was cook a big spread for her three step-grandchildren.
WE MISS HER SPIRIT, HER LAUGH, AND HEARING HER MUSIC AT FULL BLAST.
In peace may you leave the shore. In love may you find the net. Safe passage on your travels until our final journey in the sky. May we meet again.
Sheri left us way too soon. She did not get to live out her potential. It is the hope of her family and friends that a greater awareness of alcoholism may help save a life. For more information and awareness, please visit Alcohol.org.