Sherri Lee Sarratore, age 58 years formerly of Niles, Michigan daughter, sister, world traveler, business manager, and conservator of sea turtles died at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis following complications from bone marrow transplant therapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
She was born on Valentine’s Day, 1962 at Pawating Hospital to Anthony V. and June W. (Fuller) Sarratore. She was graduated with honors from Brandywine High School in 1980 where she was a Majorette in the band, a talented artist, gifted writer, and enjoyed both the theater and sports. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan and continued her education at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She earned a Master of Business Administration through the University of Phoenix, where she was pursuing a doctorate in nature conservancy.
A world traveler, Sherri lived in New York, Mexico, Chicago, Minnesota, and Costa Rica. She also visited Japan and studied Japanese. She worked a variety of jobs being self-employed, catering events and working to feed and help the homeless.
She founded the Casa de Coco Conservation Project, in Barra de Pacuare, Limón, Costa Rica dedicated to conserve and protect sea turtles. An important part of that mission was providing economic support of the local community and alternative income for poachers. She made beautiful jewelry to support her causes, was passionate about everything she did, and accomplished so much. She was a humanitarian, was deeply spiritual, and a member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, June and Anthony Sarratore, and by all her aunts and uncles.
Sherri is survived by her sisters, Linda Kay Sarratore of Niles and Debbie Sue Sarratore of Glide Oregon; many cousins; her beloved companion, Gaby in Barra de Pacuare and their pups; and an unbelievable number of friends whose lives she touched. Also surviving are her best friends, Kris, Louise, and Jim whose kindness and care is appreciated beyond measure.
Arrangements for a time to honor the life of Sherri Lee Sarratore and share some memories are pending and will be announced at a later date. Committal of her cremated remains will also be later at Mission Hills.
Contributions in memory of Sherri may be made to the Brandywine High School Class of 1980, payable to Brian Pears, with the memo: Sherri Sarratore Memorial, c/o 130 Sweet William Lane, Niles, Michigan 49120 for their 40th Reunion scheduled in July; or to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, 4581 NW 6th Street, Suite A, Gainesville, Florida 32069, https://conserveturtles.org/support-stc-make-a-donation-to-stc/. Or plant a tree or flower, adopt a rescue animal, or feed the wildlife; she would like that. Online condolences may be left at:
www.halbritterwickens.com
Sherri circled the world in her travels and her residences. Every life that she found in need of care she circled in love. The earth has more life and love because of Sherri. You may view some evidence of her passion on Casa de Coco’s video at: https://youtu.be/BLKzwo9RhJg.
Posted On: Thursday, April 16, 2020 11:45 AM
