Sharleen Mary Rellick-Smith

Sheri was born in Indiana, PA, to Edward and Sandra Rellick, where she attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School, and graduated from Indiana High School. Sheri spent her youth with her sister, Kimberly, parents and extended family of aunts and uncles on their family farm. She was known for her athleticism as a competitive gymnast and cheerleader and for being a fun-loving and loyal friend.

Sheri began her college education at West Virginia and Colorado-Boulder Universities before moving on to San Diego State University, where she met her husband of 34 years, Craig Alan Smith. Sheri and Craig made their home in San Diego, where they raised their two daughters, Karissa Nicole, and Sharia Kimae. Sheri was also blessed before her death with the addition of her first grandchild Kitori.

Sheri’s life can be defined by her devoted faith and enduring love. Her joy came from her role as mother to her two daughters—in whom she instilled a deep faith in God and a generous love for others through her own actions and example.

Sheri taught all who knew her how to persevere through life’s adversity with joy in Christ and an enduring spirit. At a young age Sheri survived multiple cancers and took what she learned to help others. She became a patient advocate and accompanied others through their cancer battles.

"In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone." St. John of the Cross

Sheri fittingly passed away on the feast day of St. John of the Cross, as she always lovingly put her family and others before herself. As a lifelong devout catholic, faith and family were always her top priorities.

Sheri is survived by her husband, daughters and grand-daughter, as well as her great-aunt Betty Rellick of Indiana PA, sister Kimberly Vasil who resides in St Charles IL with husband Daniel, and nieces Kristiana, Kayleen, and Karina.

Sheri supported and was inspired by the work of Mother Antonia and the sisters known as the Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour who minister to the poor and imprisoned in Mexico and throughout the United States. Her family asks that if you are so moved, in lieu of flowers, you make a donation in her memory.