Maria Teresa Sherwood

Maria Teresa (Buzzelli) Sherwood, beloved mother and grandmother (Nonna), left us on November 18, 2024, at 82 years old to be with the angels and those who have gone before her. Maria put her family first every day and followed a simple rule - always lead with love. Maria was born to parents who emigrated from Abruzzi, Italy, and raised on the eastside of Detroit, in a close-knit neighborhood composed mostly by Italian and Polish families. Here, she embraced community, built lifelong friendships, was an excellent student, developed a love for reading, and acquired exceptional cooking skills from her mother. During and after graduating from high school, Maria worked for Kresge and J.L. Hudson in downtown Detroit before starting her family. Maria's early adult life was dedicated to raising her children in Michigan, but she was also active in many other areas - providing childcare for family friends, selling Avon, and serving as a leader for the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and as President of the PTA. As her children grew, so did her desire to enter a new career field that included additional college courses and earning insurance industry certifications. When faced with life’s most difficult situations, Maria’s commitment to family was always strong. Upon learning that her granddaughter, Olivia, would require extensive medical care, Maria moved to Bloomington, Indiana without a second thought to help her family. While her family would continue to need support, Maria was fortunate to restart her career. Her “lead with love” approach was welcomed as she joined Bloomington Hospital (now IU Health) in Patient Financial Services. She helped thousands of families and patients navigate pathways to finding financial assistance. Maria was so fulfilled by her service that she worked until she was 80 years old - that's how much this work meant to her. Maria is survived by her children, Julie Sherwood (Ralph Estrada), Catherine Laughlin (James Laughlin), Mark Sherwood (Melissa Russell Sherwood) her granddaughters, Sophia Puzzello (Benjamin Maddock) and Victoria Sherwood, her brother, Antonio Buzzelli (Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli) several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Maria’s extended family grew to include the Laughlin family children, their spouses and children, who she loved very much. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sabatino and Ida Buzzelli, her granddaughters Olivia Puzzello and Iris Laughlin, and son-in-law Greg Perry. Per Maria’s wishes, a Celebration of Life is planned in late May 2025 where she wants authentic Italian food to be enjoyed by all. In memory of Maria, please consider donating to an organization of your choice, or to: Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington, IN- acknowledging her love of books, Riley Health Children’s Fund in memory of Olivia (Puzzello Memorial Fund #6799, Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St, Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204, [email protected]), or IU Health Hospice House for the impeccable care and love she received (IU Health Foundation, P.O. Box 775589, Chicago, IL 60677). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com