Sherry Louise Thomas Springer
Sherry Louise Thomas Springer passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 15th at River Point Crest nursing home in New Bern, NC. She was a pillar of Love. She never met a stranger and was quick with a smile. She was loved dearly by her family and friends, and a myriad of people.
Born in Donora, Pennsylvania in 1942, her parents were of the World War 2 generation, her Father serving in the European theater and bravely fighting in the famous Battle of the Bulge.
Her Scottish-American Mother was as sweet as she was and provided a good, kind, and stable environment to grow up in.
Moving near Philadelphia later on with her folks, she would go into the city and dance on American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark. In high school, she was the lead singer of the jazz band and appeared in the play, "The Wizard of Oz," as Dorothy.
She dated Jesse Colin Young who penned the famous song, "Come Together," a classic sixties anthem. She also sang informally with Jim Croce when they would gather at her friend's house drinking wine and partying with the best of them.
As her son had mental illness, in later years she became involved in the mental health field. She served as president of the local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally ill. She made such an impact with her presence that they named an award after her for achievement in the field of mental health. She was also involved in the community as a member of the Woman's Club and Friends of the Library as well as other charities.
She loved flowers and was a smart dresser. She was known to rob her friends and neighbor's gardens for a bouquet of posies.
Sherry was a voracious reader consuming as many as five books a week. She had a high I.Q. and was a fount of knowledge.
Sherry is survived by her son and daughter, Loyal F. Osterlund III and Dawn Osterlund Martin. Her sister and brother, Denise Thomas Stone, and author Will Thomas. Also, her granddaughter, Alexx Martin, and grandson, Reese Martin.
She will be sorely missed. Her life was a testament of love.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Craven County Hospice at: 2818 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560.
The funeral service will be at First Presbyterian Church, 418 New Street, New Bern, NC on Sunday, September 26th. The service will begin with the interment by the fountain at 1:30 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. There will be a reception at the Session House following the service. Arrangements by Kahlert Funeral Home. Masks are required.
