Cheryl "Sherry" Westra

Cheryl Mae (Norton) Westra formerly of Pella passed away on December 19 after 27 days at Jefferson Health Hospice in Warminster, PA.  During that time she was surrounded with the love of her family.

Cheryl, known as Sherry, was born June 1, 1949 at Fairfield Hospital in Fairfield, IA.  She was the only daughter of Russell and Shirley (Statler) Norton.  She attended Fairfield Community Schools graduating in 1967, followed by Centerville Community College School of Practical Nursing where she graduated and was licensed by the State of Iowa in 1969.  She went on to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Pella Community Nursing Home and Hospital from 1970 to 1985.

On June 14, 1974 she married Steven Westra in Pella.  After living in New Hampton for a couple of years they returned to Pella.  To this marriage was born one daughter Carrie Lynn on April 29, 1979, who became the center of Sherry’s world.  After being together almost 25 years Steve and Sherry divorced but remained best friends and resided together at the time of Sherry’s death.

After Sherry stopped working as a nurse she did a variety of jobs all of which she enjoyed.  She worked for Heritage Imports cutting and packing lace as a home contractor for almost ten years.  She managed a Subway Sandwich Shop and did several cooking jobs at places such as Pella Meals on Wheels and Senior Center, Central College’s cafeteria, Caseys, Pella Excit-A-Bowl, Pella Hilltop, and the Wal-Mart bakery.  In 2003 she started working at Pella Corporation in the factory and continued until a layoff in her area in 2009.

Sherry enjoyed making all sorts of crafts and sold those she made at craft shows across the state for many years.  Her hobbies included collecting angels of which she had hundreds.  Sherry was a talented cook who often treated friends and family to special meals she made around holidays.

Sherry was a dedicated daughter.  After her father’s stroke she was largely responsible for his care for seven years until the time of his death.  Later she saw her mother though health issues as well.  Throughout her life she often sacrificed her own needs and wants to make sure her family had a better life.

In 2015 Sherry embarked on an adventure moving across country to Horsham, PA to be close to her daughter and son-in-law, but most importantly her granddaughter Abbie.  Sherry loved nothing more than showering Abbie with love and affection. They were best friends.  After the move Sherry enjoyed spending time with her family almost every day and often attended Abbie’s activities.  While in Pennsylvania she worked at Wal-Mart as a baker.

Sherry was resilient.  She was a cancer survivor and fought a host of other medical ailments throughout her life. No matter what seemed to come her way whether it be health related or not, she found a way to tackle it and keep going. 

May 4, 2018 Sherry suffered a serious stroke.  She spent ten weeks in Artman Rehabilitation Center in Ambler, PA where she amazed her therapists learning to swallow and return to fully normal diet, to walk again, and to gain use of her arm and hand all within just a few short months.  During that time her family was with her every day.  The therapists, nurses and doctors throughout her many medical journeys somehow always ended up as cherished friends.  To all of them and also the wonderful hospice staff, Sherry’s family would like to say that they will never forget you and continue to be thankful for you.

Survivors include Steven Westra of Pella, one daughter Carrie Schwab and husband Martin, along with one granddaughter Abbie Lynn Schwab of Maple Glen, PA.

We must also not forget Sherry is survived by her cat Smudge.  If you knew Sherry you knew how extremely important Smudge was to her.  In fact a likeness of Smudge is sketched on her gravestone at her request.  Sherry loved all animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Shirley (Statler) Norton; and grandparents Roy and Hattie Statler and Sherman and Blanch Norton, as well as several beloved aunts and uncles.

Memorials can be made to Pella Christian High School, Pella.   Memorials can also be made to Artman Home, located in Ambler, Pennsylvania and given to Sherry’s family to ensure they are designated for use in the rehabilitation gymnasium that Sherry attended.  Condolences can be sent to the family at 933 E Welsh Rd, Maple Glen, PA, 19002.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.