Sherrie Lynn Lema
Sherrie Lynn Lema, our much loved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, passed away on August 7th after a long battle with colon cancer. She was a warrior who beat the odds time and time again, and those surrounding Sherrie couldn’t have had more admiration for her will and strength during this time. Her strength in this battle could only have been rivaled by the power of the love she always had for her family. She steadfastly put others’ needs before her own, and even in the face of illness and death, she put everyone before her self and remained positive at every obstacle. Her selflessness is unmatched.
Although she was born and raised in land-locked St. Louis, she had a passion for the beach and shared many wonderful memories traveling with her family, including vacations to Nantucket, Hilton Head, and a final trip to Santa Rosa just weeks before she passed. To her, salt water could heal the soul.
Sherrie lived life to the fullest – she worked at Henry Elementary for 16 years and was never short of stories about the kids’ antics and hilarious moments. She stated that her mission in life was to be a mom, and she was incredible: listening to her children’s stories and always having the right words, baking cookies, carting them to every sport imaginable, supporting them every time they screwed up. She also adored her grandson, Patrick, and showered him with love as his “Nani” and taught him terrible dance moves. She had no fear of breaking out in dance or banging on a tambourine on stage when she could find one. She also loved being outside whether it was simply sitting on the patio among her flowers or kayaking on Creve Couer Lake. She could always be counted on to have a craving for a salad or a big cheeseburger or pizza, but she could also be perfectly content biting directly into a tomato or eating a scoop of peanut butter.
Sherrie is survived by her parents Ed and Patricia Thuet, her brothers Kirk and Scott Thuet, her husband Jim Lema, her children: Ashley (Phil) Shepherd, Brooke Lema, and Cole Lema, and a host of family and friends that love her dearly. They will carry on her legacy of fierce strength in trying times, and they might even pull out one of her dance moves from time to time. Just maybe.
Sherrie’s life will be celebrated on September 9 with a noon mass at St. Simon’s (11011 Mueller Road) and a FUN-eral (emphasis on the fun) at The Shack with a lunch (14810 Clayton Road) to truly celebrate her life. More details to come. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to Henry Elementary’s PTO at 700 Henry Avenue, Ballwin, MO 63011.
Jimmy and family, many prayers to all of you. Cherish the memories. Sherrie is in your hearts forever. Much love and deepest sympathy.
Jim, Angie just told us of Sherri passing. Please know we are thinking of you and all of your family.
Bob and Stacy Danis and family
To the Lema family we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers and thoughts. You all have a special angel watching over you to guide you. God bless.
With our Deepest Sympathy.
Prayers to you and your family??
Jim, please accept our condolences, so sorry about your loss!
Jim my most heartfelt sympathies may Gods grace look down upon you.
Jim,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. During these hard times cherish your special memories. Keeping you in my prayers during these difficult times.
Jim, my deepest sympathies for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and family, my sincere condolences at this tough time.
Jim,
I am so sorry. I was not aware of your families struggles and can’t imagine your pain and suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord continue to guide you through this difficult time.
Jim, Brooke & family
We are sorry to hear her battle is over. May memories keep a smile on your face and may you be sourrounded by family and friends in the days ahead.
Our sincere condolences and prayer
God bless you all
Scott, Vicki, Lindsay & Meredith Carson??
I am so sorry for the loss of Sherrie. Thinking of you all who loved her and praying for your pain and anguish at this time.
Prayers and love being sent your way. Sherrie was so great to work with with the kids at school. As a substitute Parkway nurse, her help was invaluable! Loved her smile and her patience and her support! She was so good at finding a student if I needed them! Sherrie was a very special person!
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sherrie was such a bright and joyful soul! She made everyone want to smile! She will be missed!
Jimmy and family-reminisce, tell lots of stories and keep her memory in your hearts. Sounds like an amazing woman. Prayers and peace.
My prayers and condolences…
Jim and family, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.