Leatrice V. McSherry

Leatrice V. McSherry, 97, passed away on January 1, 2023, in the home of her eldest daughter, having spent her last Christmas surrounded by her family and loved ones.  Although we are saddened by the loss of this great woman, we find much comfort in the knowing that her struggle is over and she is finally at peace, reunited with her beloved husband of 43 years, Max L. McSherry, who predeceased her in 1990.

Born Leatrice V. Straub on August 24, 2025, in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, to Verna and Lewis Straub, Leatrice was a remarkable woman for her time.  She put herself through college, attending Rider University in New Jersey, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in 1945.  Her love for education continued throughout her life, and due to her powerful influence and support, her three daughters all achieved college degrees, debt free, and become teachers, much to her delight.  She married Max L. McSherry in 1947, relocating several times before arriving in Buffalo, New York, where she has lived since 1955.  She worked for Maryvale School District for several decades until her retirement in the late 1970’s, spending the next decade travelling and enjoying time with her beloved husband.  She was, quite likely, the oldest member of the Cheektowaga Baptist Church, in Cheektowaga, New York.

Leatrice lived a rich full life, loved by all who knew her as a fiercely independent, humorous, generous, intelligent, loyal and devoted Friend, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother.  She passionately pursued her creative interests, like piano and ceramics, with gusto.  She had a great love of theater and served as a volunteer usher at several theaters in the Buffalo area so as to never miss a production.  She was a world traveler, packed and ready to go on the next adventure at the drop of a hat.  A compassionate and caring woman of great faith, Leatrice devoted 25 years of service to the Erie County Medical Center Gift Shop as a volunteer, the proceeds of which make the lives of the elderly and indigent inhabitants a little brighter.  She enjoyed an active social life well into her 90’s, and will no doubt be remembered as a woman who loved, first and foremost, her three girls, followed by her manhattans, playing cards, Matt Damon, 5-Star restaurants and hotels, movies, and sponge candy. 

Leatrice is survived by her brother, Lewis A. Straub; Three daughters:  Loray Sorto, Kimberly McSherry, and Patti Lea Brucato, husband, Lenny; Five grandchildren:  Nicole Litwiller, husband Christian, Richard Dossett, wife Jen, Justin Sorto, Tammi Lea Litwiller, husband Josh, and Ashley Sorto; and Four great-grandchildren: Jayden, Sidney, Calvin and Hayden Grace. 

A viewing and short celebration of life service will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023, at The Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services LLC, 121 W. Main Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.  The visitation will be from 10-11 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am.  A gravesite burial will follow at The Dunnstown Cemetery, 52 Church Street, Lock Haven, PA. Officiating will be Pastor Susan Champion of the Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church in Mill Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Leatrice’s name to one of two organizations near and dear to her heart:   Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, hospicebuffalo.com/donate, or mail to 225 Como Park Blvd., Buffalo, New York 14227, OR ECMC Gift Shop Volunteer Board, 4662 Grider Street, Buffalo, New York 14215. 

Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.gedonfuneralhomes.com or Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page.

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