Sheryl Jean Rendzia

Sheryl was born on November 1, 1952 to Mary Jane (Mason) and William Wirth in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sheryl was the oldest of three children. She had a sister Doreen (Cevasco), and a brother William Wirth Jr. She spent her formative years in Jersey City, attending St. Aloysius Elementary School and the Academy of St. Aloysius High School. She enjoyed spending time during the summer at the Jersey Shore, trips to New York City, and countless moments spent with her immediate and extended family.

Sheryl went to Jersey City State College and majored in Elementary School Education. Sheryl met the love of her life, Walter Rendzia, at a party in 1973. They quickly fell in love and after just 7 months of dating they became engaged, getting married a year later on December 8, 1974. Sheryl and Walter were happy to celebrate 43 years together this past December. After 15 months of marriage they welcomed their son Wally; and two years after that, their daughter Kara. They started their family in New Jersey and in 1980 they moved north to Newport, New Hampshire, where they remained until 2001.

While in New Hampshire, Sheryl spent time as a well-loved elementary school teacher. She later helped run the family business, the Hilltop Motel in Newport. She worked as a travel agent and spent many hours on home improvement and craft projects before such hobbies had their own TV shows - she was ahead of the times! She also served on many volunteer committees, including the PTA and the Yearbook for Newport HS, and she was an active member of the school booster club, which raised funds to support school sports programs. Most importantly, Sheryl attended every single sporting event or activity her children participated in - even all of the ski meets where she wore her moonboots and would hike up the mountain despite her deep hatred of the cold and snow. Sheryl was home every afternoon when they returned home from school and would actively listen to stories of their days.

When Sheryl and Walter moved to Florida, she started a new career as the office manager of a real estate office where she managed the vacation rental program. She enjoyed her time in Florida making new friends and floating in her pool.

Sheryl was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May of 2011. She went through surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. She tried on wigs with humor and continued to drive her red convertible - with the top up a little more frequently so as to not lose her wig. She handled her disease with dignity and strength, and seldom complained about the pain it brought her or what it took from her life. She was in remission for three and half year years and then unfortunately her cancer returned. She underwent several more rounds of chemo and short remission but after her cancer returned for the third time she developed MDS, a blood disorder that prevented her doctors from being able to continue to treat her ovarian cancer.

Sheryl enjoyed laughter, being by the ocean, vacations at the beach, hearing new babies cry, anything with sparkles or glitter, a good story, Christmas, a cold glass of wine, trying a new recipe, playing cards, listening to music, and creating craft projects. Above all else, Sheryl loved her family. She loved with a deep and loyal commitment. All those who were close to her knew that she would give you the shirt off her back if you said you liked it. She lived with a generous spirit and a deep appreciation of what it means to belong to each other.

Sheryl leaves behind her devoted husband Wally; her heartbroken children, Walt Rendzia of Nellysford, VA and Kara Williams and her husband, Christopher Williams of Boston, MA.; her three adored grandchildren, Maxwell, Connor, and Colby. Sheryl also leaves her loving sister and brother-in-law, Doreen and Andy Cevasco of Rutherford NJ, and her brother and sister-in-law, William and Lauren Wirth of Sherborn, MA; numerous nephews and nieces - Marc & Jenna Cevasco, Alison & Chris Iannarone, Andrew & Monique Cevasco, Kevin Cevasco, Casey, Jake, Joe, Jamie, & Jack Wirth; as well as great nephews, Grant & Nathan Cevasco, and Benjamin and Christopher Iannarone.

Sheryl was a great friend and leaves behind many dear friends, and will be missed especially by her best friends, Kerry & Tony Hebert, of Newport, NH. She also leaves behind her beloved morkie dog, Lucy. Lucy was a great source of comfort and joy in her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Fund. Sheryl had a special request that friends and family who are able to donate blood do so in her memory. Special thanks to the many medical professionals who supported Sheryl through her long illness, especially the nurses and staff at the Emily Couric Cancer Center and the University of Virginia Medical Center, who brought laughter, normalcy, and joy to her long treatment days. Also a sincere thank you to the team of dedicated and caring hospice professionals who provided care for Sheryl in her final days.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 300 Maple Avenue, Waynesboro VA at 11am.