Cheryl "Sherri" Marlene Swidrovich

Cheryl “Sherri” Marlene Swidrovich (Elder), member of Yellow Quill First Nation, was born April 5, 1960, in Hudson Bay, SK, to Marina Elinor Elder (1935 – 1984), who was a residential school survivor, and Ronald Gilbert Williamson (1934 – 2007). After growing up in foster care during the sixties scoop, Sherri put herself through her final year of high school at Evan Hardy Collegiate while living on her own. After finding work as a waitress at Fast Freddies Nightclub in the Parktown Hotel, she met and began dating Brian, a Fast Freddies DJ, whom she married on November 20, 1981. Their first child, Shaina, blessed this Earth in 1982, followed by their incredible son, Jaris, in 1986. After working in direct sales for 6 years, Sherri worked her way up to become a Regional Vice President in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, before choosing to return to Saskatoon and pursue higher education. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan while pregnant with their third beautiful baby, Jenna, who completed their family in 1994. Sherri has always said that her greatest gifts to the world are her children. She found her calling teaching Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan which led her to achieve a Master of Arts degree and continue sharing Indigenous history through many courses, some of which she created. Thousands of students enjoyed her pleasant, intelligent, and captivating lectures, with hundreds of students taking the time to express how their class time with Sherri changed their lives, gave them direction, or inspired them to do and be more. Sherri was overjoyed to be present to welcome her first grandchild Raeya (Charlton) in 2009. She then lovingly inherited three additional grandchildren in Cameron, Beau, and Avery (Lynden), followed by the birth of her little ‘smoochie,’ Bentlee (Lynden) on Remembrance Day in 2012. Sherri’s infectious laugh, sparkling personality, and compassionate nature resulted in deep connections with a wealth of friends and colleagues. She spent countless hours volunteering with Child Find, Canadian Diabetes Association, various Veterans projects, and the Saskatoon Community Clinic Board. She was also selected as one of 10 Canadians to serve on the National Sixties Scoop Foundation Board of Directors. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in the summer of 2021, Sherri fought for every moment with her precious family. Her courageous battle was revered by many, and the ongoing presence and support of her family continued through to her final moments. Surrounded with abundant love, Sherri peacefully passed away under the care of the oncology staff at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital at 6:15 p.m. on November 20 – her and Brian’s 41st Wedding Anniversary. Sherri is survived by her loving husband Brian, children Shaina (Brock), Jaris, and Jenna; her five grandchildren, Cameron, Beau, Avery, Raeya, and Bentlee; her adoring siblings, Millie, Harold, Butch, Carmen (Kent), Crystal (RJ), Perry, Penny, and Carla (Barry), and she was predeceased by her eldest sister Violet. A public viewing will be held Sunday, November 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Acadia Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon). Sherri’s Celebration of Life will commence on Monday, November 28, 12:00 noon, at Lakeview Church (19 Glazier Rd / beside Greenbryre Estates). A private family burial will immediately follow the service. All other friends and extended family are asked to join the family for lunch and refreshments at the Royal Canadian Legion, Nutana Branch #362 / 3021 Louise Street directly following the service. For those unable to attend please visit www.faithproductions.ca/livestream to view the service. Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor.