Sherry Pero
Ms. Sherry Pero, age 77, of Maple Grove Township passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13th, 2020 at her home with family at her side.
Sherry was born in Detroit, MI on August 20, 1943, the daughter of the late John and F. Jane (McHenry) Millard.
She was adopted at age 4 by George Ellis when he and F. Jane (McHenry) Millard where married.
She was raised in Michigan Center. Sherry had fond memories of her time in Michigan Center and in Jackson. Often recounting adventures with cousins. Sherry's family moved to the Kalamazoo area where she graduated from Parchment High School. Sherry loved to dance and was in the band. Sherry continued her education at Western Michigan University where she studied Secondary Education.
Sherry was kind and always willing to help. Sherry helped when she could with Shana's girl scout troop. Selling cookies, going on a trip to Binder Park Zoo, driving the girls when needed. She would always lend a listening ear if someone needed to talk. Sherry often opened her home so that her friends could gather.
Sherry grew up in an extended family with grandparents around. She had fond memories of times hiding under the dinning room table, cooking with one grandparent or another, fishing with her grandfather and walking in his garden. Sherry was able to continue this tradition at various times in her life and had been able to be an ever present fixture in the life of her grandson Carter.
Sherry worked at Cello-Foil Poducts in Battle Creek, MI. The company later became Exopack. Sherry was with the company from 1981 until 2009. While serving in many roles during her years employed, Sherry finished her career in 2009 as the ISO Saftey Manager serving faithfully for 29 years. Sherry made many friends during her years at Cello-Foil.
Over the years Sherry enjoyed several trips with her family. A driving tour with her daughter Shana that went from Michigan, Philadelphia PA, Washington DC, and down to Virginia Beach before heading back. That trip allowed her to touch the Liberty Bell, drive in traffic on the beltway at 5pm on a Friday, and to walk several of the buildings of the Smithsonian. There was also a drive from her home in Battle Creek, MI to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Sherry enjoyed the landscape and wildlife found along the way. Staying in a hotel overlooking a bluff where puffins nested.
In her spare time, Sherry enjoyed reading, working on genelology with her daughter Shana, and helping care for her grandson Carter Pero as his Nana. Sherry cared for the many rescued animals that live on her farm she shared with the family. She enjoyed tending to the plants in the garden and when she was no longer able to do the work, Sherry spent time sitting on the porch watching the birds fly by and the flowers bloom. Sherry got her love of gardening from her mother Jane. Sherry also enjoyed watching the corn grow tall on the family farm.
Sherry was given wonderful care from Oaklawn Palliative Care and Oaklawn Hospice. The staff facilitated Sherry's wish to remain home on her farm and with family throughout her final days. Her family is grateful for the opportunity to remain by her side and the level of care every member of Sherry's team provided.
Sherry is proceeded in death by her mother (Freeda) Jane (McHenry) Ellis, adoptive father George Edwin Ellis, and birth father John Millard.
Sherry is survived by her brother Randy Ellis, sister Jan (Michael) Lowder, two daughters, Shana Pero, and Marie (Dan DeHoek) Woodard. Granddaughter Lauren (Brian) Gutterson, grandson Carter Pero, and great grandson Griffin Gutterson.