Survived by her true husband and love of her life for nearly sixty years, Patrick James Gilligan, their only son John Gilligan, and three daughters Christine Schammel (David), Kim Schiller (Mike), and Cindy Eknes (Bret). Also survived by her eleven grandchildren: Dustin, Nissa, Joshua, Noah, Ashley, Oliver, Elisa, Abigail, Emma, Trae and Elliot.
In the weeks before her passing, Sherri repeatedly spoke about how amazed she was by Pat’s love for her, how lucky she was to have him, and how much she loved him. Pat loved and supported Sherri in all her endeavors, as she had for him. You could witness the love they had for one another simply when they looked at one another, eyes sparkling. Even more so when they smiled at one another. When she put her head on his shoulder, he beamed. When he gently helped her up the steps into his car, she felt assured by his gentle love and support. The kindness, love and forgiveness that they showed each other was a true blessing to behold, and a live example of genuine love and devotion.
Mom loved her children deeply, and wanted nothing beyond being loved in return. She just wanted to be a part of their lives. And when she was, they were the blessed.
Nana’s grandchildren were the light of her life: all brought immense joy to her heart. She lived for and loved to hear about the lives of her grandchildren, from the seemingly mundane to the spectacular. A simple call or a text from any one of them would completely brighten her day. She was so proud of each and every one.
Preceded in death by her dad Robert Cahill and her mom Lillian Cahill.
Sherri had a challenging life in many ways. What was truly awe-inspiring was that she constantly and consistently learned from her mistakes and tried to be a better person. She tried to be the best wife and mother that she could be, loving unconditionally. She sincerely apologized when she made mistakes. She never stopped trying to improve. Sherri challenged herself by pursuing a college degree much later in life than most. She not only succeeded, but was asked to, and beautifully delivered, the graduation speech for her class at the University of Minnesota. She was proud to serve people as a receptionist and call center representative for many years. She genuinely liked to help people!
Sherri was always trying to help others and bring joy into others lives. Whether it was sending you jokes -sometimes many- to your email to brighten your day, to visiting family regularly and helping in any way she could, folding clothes even though her hands were pained, helping kids with school, or simply just being there for people, with a prayer, a joke, just a loving and steady presence when they were down. She excelled when people were ill, gently wiping a feverish head with a cool cloth, making surgical glove balloons in the emergency room, visiting the infirm at nursing homes from the time she was young, continuing through to when she too was a resident. Always trying to bring a smile to the person in any kind of pain.
Sherri was appreciative of any gesture or any gift of any size. Doing her laundry for her brought heaps of gratitude. Usually in triplicate: “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She never wanted to be “too much trouble” for anyone, yet was always looking for ways to help others with their troubles. For the record, she was never too much trouble.
Big Picture - she was a kind, respectful, and appreciative person who expressed her love in words and acts. Whether it was saying how much she loved you or wanting to buy you a meal to get through your stress and anxiety or disappointments in life, she simply wasn’t self centered. She had a true and real concern for others, especially for family’s concerns and difficult times, and yet thought little of her own needs. Sherri was true power under love. Always trying to lift others with love and kindness. The foundation for her values was her faith in Jesus Christ.
At her best, Sherri embraced new knowledge and different experiences, respected others who had a different path in life, and supported those less fortunate, whatever their struggle. The world is less light with the absence of Sherri. We will desperately miss her physical presence and daily interaction with her, but we know that she will always be with us. And, as she asked us to do, even in our own pain, we rejoice that she is now with Jesus.
Services November 6th at Wulff Funeral Home, St. Paul MN. Visitation with family starts at 2, service to commence at 3, with a Covid safe sharing time after the service in the chapel. Dessert will be served after the sharing time, but will NOT be Covid safe.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Homestead In Maplewood, 1890 Sherren Ave E, Maplewood MN 55109. Mom loved her last three years living there, and the staff there love their residents. We were so blessed to have Mom be there during the pandemic.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WulffFuneralHome.com for the Gilligan family.
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