Birth: 1952 Death: 2024 Sherry Grassadonia passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024 with her family lovingly by her side. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering. In her final thoughts, she expressed her appreciation for everyone’s love and prayers.
Sherry was born in Denver CO, though her family quickly moved to CA where she grew up. She attended Lynhaven Elementary and graduated class of 1970 from Blackford High School in San Jose. Eager to start a family, she married and moved to Lodi, CA where she raised her beautiful daughters.
There she thrived as a successful business woman, owning multiple businesses including Fancyworks Gifts and Farmhouse Furnishings. Additionally, she shared her talents by teaching art classes at the local college.With her 20th high school reunion approaching, Sherry reconnected with her jr.
high and high school sweetheart John, who she met in the 6th grade at Lynnhaven. Both being divorced, they decided to attend together. Reunited in love, they got married in 1991 and moved to Santa Cruz, CA where she started a new chapter in her life.
Sherry loved creating and her vision shone through in all she did. She worked at Lytton Gardens as an activity director and was Vice President of Leadership and Development for Beverly’s Fabrics. She left her role at Beverly’s to support her husband John in their Catholic music ministry.
She was the inspiration and driving force behind the production of John’s music and their company Chrism Records. Their service and ministry enriched any community they were a part of, whether in Elk Grove where they lived from 2005-2012, or when raising money for the poor in their travels throughout the world, helping rebuild schools and churches in third world countries. Sherry was dedicated to her faith and once returning to the Santa Cruz area, was an active and longtime parishioner of St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola.Sherry’s life was defined by her successes, by her talent as an amazing artist, and the love she had for her family and friends. She will be forever remembered for her vibrant energy and generous spirit; her giftedness at making beautiful paintings, incredible sewing projects, custom painted furniture, and unparalleled cookies; her ability to take a discount find from the thrift store and turn it into a masterful work of art; the special way she brought our family together, creating beautiful gathering spaces, nourishing us with homemade meals, and wowing us with her delicious baked goods.
She loved her life, she loved her family, and she touched the lives of everyone she met.Sherry is survived by her husband John Grassadonia; her daughter Sasha (Bobby) Gareau and stepchildren Jane (Logan) Crump and David (Anna) Trayer; her grandchildren Michael (Kelsey) Garber, Alexa (Josh) Wedland, Austin (Shay), Chris (Gabby), and Nick Steck, Makayla and Malyki Morrow, Jaden Trayer, and Ethan and Fiona Crump; 6 great grandchildren; her siblings Kim (Jeff) Reese, Stephen Shipley, and Cherie Greenwald; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Val Shipley, and her daughter Elisha Gareau.
A rosary will be prayed on August 3rd at 10:30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00, with a memorial celebration to follow in the church hall. Honor with Flowers In memory of Sherry Yolanda Plant a Living Memorial In memory of Sherry Yolanda.
