| | Published July 31st, 2024
| Sheryl (Sheri) Lynn Grant Woodruff
| | |  | | September 7, 1944 ~ February 7, 2024 |
Sheri Woodruff died fighting her fight in her own bed at home after a long illness. She was born to Dorothy Jeanne (Cooper) Grant Davis and Lester Martin Grant in Oakland, California. Her parents received a surprise gift of two girls on September 7, 1944; Sheri, the elder by six minutes, and her identical twin, Sandra Lee (Sandi). Another sister, Leslie, rounded out the family 3.5 years later.
She attended Daniel Webster Elementary School, and Frick Junior High School in Oakland and moved to the Walnut Creek/ Lafayette area upon her parents separation, where she attended Acalanes High School in Lafayette.
Sheri was very active during high school in dance, cheerleading and choir including performing in the school musicals. She and her sister Sandi performed a memorable duet in the musical "Oklahoma".
After high school graduation, Sheri attended Diablo Valley College while working in the offices of UC Berkeley during the height of the free speech movement. Most importantly, during this time she met her husband-to-be, Barry H. Woodruff.
Sheri and Barry celebrated their wedding on Treasure Island, San Francisco, on February 14, 1965. They "honeymooned" with a long drive back to Florida and Texas for Barry's Navy Flight Training. Thereafter they headed to a base in Maine until Barry was deployed to Viet Nam. Sheri, pregnant with their son, Grant, headed back to Lafayette and family while Barry was in Viet Nam. When Barry's deployment ended they returned to Connecticut with their new family. Grant attended school in Newtown while Sheri and Barry experienced the ups and downs of the airline industry.
The years brought many changes in where they resided and when they celebrated holidays, but there was one constant. That constant was Sheri's absolute commitment and support for Barry and his chosen profession of flying, It was this love for him that enabled him to weather the vagaries of the industry and pursue his dreams, and the family to flourish. They ultimately returned to California and settled in Burton Valley where Sheri became an active participant in the Lafayette Community. She volunteered for years in Grant's schools. She was also an active participant and leader in Book Club. Sheri was an avid reader with a particular interest and wealth of knowledge in American History and politics. She had a bold sense of humor which she frequently displayed with her Book Club group often arriving dressed appropriate to the book being discussed. During this time, she also worked in a Walnut Creek book store, gathering many books and friends along the way.
Following her tenure at the bookstore, Sheri began a long and meaningful career at Lafayette City Parks, Trails and Recreation. She was the first to respond to all manner of public inquiries both reasonable and unreasonable, which she handled with aplomb. Her wry sense of humor was legendary amongst her friends. After she retired, she continued to support the Community Center as a member of the Community Center Foundation for over nineteen years. Support included flipping pancakes at the Bunny Brunch, donating and wrapping gift baskets at the Santa's Bag Boutique and attending meetings that were filled not only with business, but also with laughs and camaraderie. She was always generous to her friends and family with time and help if they were in need.
Sheri is survived by her husband, Barry H. Woodruff; son, Grant C. Woodruff (Kiran) and four grandchildren (Drew, Alexandria, Harlow and Jasper), sister Sandi Armistead (John) and Leslie Waldie, niece Brooke Raimondo, nephews David Armistead (Sherry) and William Armistead (Audra), eight grand nephews and nieces and a multitude of devoted friends. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA