Sherry Jean (Strassle) Neher-Kennedy

On Thursday, December 23, 2021, this world lost one of its best: A Smart and Sassy woman who ran her home and offices with Love and Wit. She invested nearly 20 years of love into Historic Fort Wayne—and though she was not the person “in charge,” she certainly was “the person who knew what was going on.” After the closing of the Fort, she spent 9 yrs as a receptionist in the optometry office of Dr Robert F Robb, and Dr James Blume. She was lucky enough to Love and Be Loved, by two wonderful husbands in her 85 years: J. Richard Neher, for 48 years, who proceeded her in death in 2002, and Daniel P Kennedy, who survives, for the last eight and a half years. Sherry opened her heart and her home and “adopted” some special folks by choice, extending her Love and Hospitality to them. This enriched all our lives. Left with especially dear memories, and lives marked by her influence are her daughters, Rhonda (Stephen) Reed, and Dianna Beth (Jim) Skoronsky; daughters-by-love, Chantelle Kennedy, and Elizabeth (Jason) Barnes: “son” Robert (Peggy) Nicola; grandchildren, Jon Bruckman, Steven (Emily) Bruckman, Kristin (Craig) Finn, Karinne (Zach) Slezak, Amy (Paul) Abling, Meagan (Craig) Wilmers, Ava Kennedy, Noah Barnes, Isaac Barnes, Elizabeth (Joshua) Edwards, Amy Nicola, and Bob Nicola; great-grandchildren, Ashur Slezak, Trinity Slezak, Ayla Abling, Everly Abling, Tyler Abbott, Ryder Wilmers, Cash Wilmers, Samantha Edwards, Cassandra Edwards, Emily Edwards, and Linkin Edwards. Sherry loved Historic Fort Wayne, and all of the people ever associated with it, owls, reading, gardening, the Indianapolis Colts, ALL of her family and friends, a good wine, and life in general. If you were fortunate enough to know and love her, and to be known and loved by her, we’d love to reminisce with you, and hear your part of her story. Funeral service will be 1:30pm, Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Huntertown Cemetery, Huntertown. Memorial donations may be given to the American Lung Association, or to the American Heart Association. Full obituary may be found, and fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Kennedy family at www.mccombandsons.com