Sherrie Willows

Sherrie Willows 1941 – 2016

Sherrie Willows, 75, of Manchester, Washington, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Malvern, Pennsylvania on February 4, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Shirley and Richard Stratton of Deland, Florida. Sherrie began her professional career as a Registered Nurse and worked in hospitals and clinics before opening her massage business, “The Healing Touch,” in Friday Harbor, Washington in 1974.

Sherrie was a graduate of Penn High School before getting her nursing degree at the University of Connecticut. After moving to the west coast in the early 60’s, she lived in Eugene, Oregon and Seattle, Washington before moving to Friday Harbor, Washington where she raised her three children: Kurt, Keith and Amy.

Sherrie was an adventurer, traveling around the world with her family for a sabbatical year and in later years, whenever the opportunity arose. She was a SCUBA diver, pilot and teacher of other massage therapists. She volunteered for many years at the Friday Harbor schools, working in any capacity needed. She adored music and loved to laugh, joining choirs like the San Juan Singers and the St. David’s Episcopal Church Choir. She also enjoyed performing in several productions at the San Juan Community Theatre.

Sherrie left an indelible mark on our hearts and is survived by her children and their spouses, Kurt (Jennifer) Willows of Everett, Washington; Keith (June) Willows and Amy (Dan) Draves of Seattle, Washington; her siblings Jackie Stratton of Seattle, Washington; Richard and Carol Lynn Stratton of Uniontown, Ohio; and Thomas and Beverly Stratton of Roseville, Minnesota; her grandchildren Elsa and Ian Willows of Everett, Washington and Angus Willows and Sam Draves of Seattle, Washington; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 11:30 AM at St David’s Episcopal Church, 780 Park St, in Friday Harbor followed immediately by a reception. Her ashes will be laid to rest at Valley Cemetery on San Juan Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Sherrie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s association: http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_join_the_cause.asp

Online condolences may be shared at http://jazzfishma.wixsite.com/saswmemorial

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