Paivi-Leena Sherman

Leena was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, the beloved matriarch of her family and was pure of heart. She always looked for the best in every situation and brought out the best in the people around her. She found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved, always putting her family first.

She was born in Joensuu, Finland in 1940 to Mirjam and Vaino Tuppurainen. At a very young age her father had passed, and Leena was raised by her mother and stepfather, Olavi Pietarinen.

While her husband, Dennis H. Sherman was traveling in Finland in the 1960’s, he met Leena. The two maintained a long-distance relationship for years through letters and visits. Leena and Dennis later married in Finland and embarked on a 6-month honeymoon traveling through many countries.

Eventually, Leena moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio with Dennis to begin their lives together. They raised their three children in Beachwood, Ohio. Leena dedicated many years raising her daughters and later returned to her career as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated numerous years of her life as a passionate and committed pediatric nurse. She consistently went above and beyond in her career, caring deeply for the children she was helping. She was also an avid reader, especially of nursing journals and medical literature.

Leena treasured time with family and friends and will be remembered for her unwavering faith, warmth, grace, strength, wisdom, and her lifelong curiosity. She shared a deep love and devotion with those around her, including her extended family in Finland. She was a devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt to many nieces and nephews back home and enjoyed the times she traveled to Finland to visit. Leena also dedicated much time with phone calls to family in Finland to stay connected and continued to keep her Finnish language fluent.

She enjoyed traveling, the arts, and spending time in nature.

Her memory will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew her as a very special person.

Leena is survived by her loving daughters, Julie Sherman, Nora Gecovich (Avi), and Erica Sherman Klein (Neil); her beloved grandchildren, Brooke, Kyle, Elianna, Romey, and Dylan.

She is also survived by her sister, Heli-Riitta Pietarinen, and her brother, Reino Pietarinen, along with her nieces and nephews.

Leena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis H. Sherman, along with her parents and her 3 sisters Helena, Liisa, and Pirjo.

A graveside service will be held on Monday April 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mayfield Cemetery, 2749 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Following the service, a Shiva will be held from 12:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio.

Contributions may be made in memory of Leena Sherman to the International Myeloma Foundation (https://fundraise.myeloma.org/fundraiser/7230703),

HealthWell Foundation (https://secure.healthwellfoundation.org/forms/donate), or The North Chagrin Nature Center in Mayfield Village, Ohio. Donations may be made online at clevelandmetroparks.com/giveonline or mailed to Cleveland Metroparks, 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144.