Sherry Ann Ryder

Brewster resident; Secretary.

Brewster – Sherry Ann Merrill Ryder, 56, died Aug 20 at her home after battling with chronic respiratory issues for many years.

She was the wife of Douglas Ryder, who died in 1999.

Mrs. Ryder was born in Peabody, where she lived while spending her summers on Cape Cod. She later moved to Brewster, where she made her home. She graduated from Peabody High School, Saint John the Baptist, and attended Boston University.

She spent the summers of her youth diving for pennies off the Provincetown pier and helping her father, John Merrill, with his speed boat business. Later, she began a career in service to the town of Brewster by working in the town hall clerks office. In addition, she assisted in many Republican political campaigns, served as chairman of the Brewster Republican town committee, and was part of the Lower Cape Cod Republican women's club, where she also served as chairman.

Survivors include her son Jonathan Ryder of Brewster; her brothers Richard Merrill of Wellfleet, and James Merrill of Peabody; her niece Addison Merrill and Nephews Samuel Merrill and James Merrill.

Visiting Hours will be on Thursday August 25, 2011 from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans MA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Cape Church, Stony Brook Rd., Brewster MA at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, Provincetown, MA.