Sherry L. Carlson

Sherry L. Carlson, July 1947 - September 2, 2026

Sherry L. Carlson (79) died peacefully of Parkinson's disease on Sept. 2, 2026, in the care of the Compassionate Care Hospice in Sebring, FL. Sherry was born in Massachusetts to Herbert and Aura Johnson of Gardner, MA. She was a kind and caring daughter and she grew up loving music, art, nature, animals, people, and her 4 ½ years older big sister, Kathy, who loved and cared for her right back.

From her first day of kindergarten, to a semester in Germany, to earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, and multiple graduate credits, Sherry was recognized as an excellent student. She also enjoyed extracurricular activities such as winning first place in the Gardner Junior High Table Tennis Championship and playing the flute in the Gardner High School Band. Summer at Lake Monomonac, in the camp her parents built by hand, was her favorite time of year, and waterskiing her favorite activity. At Girl Scout Camp, she surprised herself by winning the sailboat regatta.

Sherry felt blessed to be able to use the lessons taught to her by schools and life in ways that served others, especially those most in need. She was a strong woman sustained by her faith and by what her Finnish ancestors called "sisu" (extraordinary determination). She never stopped growing and especially enjoyed her years of belonging to Toastmasters International.

After retiring to Sebring, she had time to return to her interest in art and writing. She was active in helping develop art exhibitions, in encouraging artists, and in helping to form a writing group with whom she could share her highly honest and personal poems. Eventually, she took over her father's care until he died approaching his 99th birthday. She was a long-time member of Unity of Sebring Life Enrichment Center.

Sherry was always willing to share her hope and faith with those she met. She was a true friend. Sherry is survived by her daughter, Drew, and her sister, Kathleen. She was beloved, spiritual, a seeker and adventurer, loving, connected to the community, and smart. Her 3 nieces and their 6 children loved her dearly and highly valued their relationships with her.

After Sherry's foster son, Matthew, died, she became very active in groups such as the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). It is a tax-exempt organization that manages the nation's transplant system. You can make a tax-deductible financial gift through the UNOS Donation Page online, or to a similar group, in her memory.