Sherry Bryant

With sad but hearts full of love, we announce the passing of Sherry Bryant after several months of declining health.

She will be deeply missed by her twin sister Sherryl Roth (Roger), her brother Kim Bryant (Anne), and her sister-in-law Susan Bryant. She was predeceased by her parents Alex and Debe (Hendrickson) Bryant and her brother Darrol and is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews.

Born in Minot, North Dakota, on August 11, 1945, fifteen minutes after her sister Sherryl, Sherry spent a happy childhood amid the wide-open prairies of Rolla, North Dakota. Knowing from as early as second grade that teaching was her calling, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she prepared for a career in education. After a series of positions in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Austin, Texas and Kenosha, Wisconsin, she spent most of her professional life in Rochester, New Hampshire, where she earned statewide recognition. Students who knew her will remember how she brought the wider world into every classroom she entered.

She loved to travel and explored much of the United States and Canada, as well as South America, Europe, Australia, and India. Those experiences enriched her teaching with stories and insights that stayed with her students.

Sherry moved through life with deep curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding others’ experiences and perspectives. She listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and had a rare ability to slow down and find meaning in the everyday. Libraries were among her favorite places, and she was seldom seen without a book close at hand.

Her fiercely independent spirit was shaped by her involvement in the women’s liberation movement and consciousness-raising groups, and she carried those values throughout her life. The spirit of the early 1970s shaped her in other ways as well; she believed in peace, love, laughter, passing things along and then a little more laughter.

A devoted patron of the arts - from small community stages to major productions - she considered one of the gifts she could offer the world was to be an appreciative member of the audience. She was highly engaged in cultural life, attending concerts, visiting art galleries, and never passing up the chance to see a movie - often ready to go at a moment’s notice. She delighted in introducing others to books, films, music, and ideas that had moved her. During the pandemic, she watched an opera every day.

Family and friends will remember many fun-filled evenings playing cards - especially Bridge - and other games. She was also an avid tennis fan and rarely missed a good match.

Sherry was exceptionally generous toward the people and causes she cared about, offering thoughtful gifts to loved ones and supporting animal welfare organizations. She also often left waitstaff a very large tip at the end of a meal.

Perhaps nothing brought her more peace than time spent outdoors in nature. From hiking the White Mountains and forests of New Hampshire while living in Brookfield, to strolling long stretches of the Erie Canal and wooded trails in Pittsford, New York, she felt deeply connected to the natural world. In her eyes, all living beings were worthy of care and respect - including the many cats fortunate enough to share her home over the years.

Sherry maintained a wide circle of friends and stayed in close touch with them throughout her life. Her authenticity, kindness, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her sense of awe was boundless, and she had a way of making the world seem more wondrous to others.

She often spoke with gratitude for the life she had lived and for the people who had shared it with her.

As was her wish, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In her memory, donations to an animal charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James R. Gray Funeral Home, Rochester, NY. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jamesrgray.com

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