Sherry Nicole McElhany's Obituary
Sherry Nicole McElhany, 52, of Lutz, Florida, passed away on February 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Sherry was born to Jerald and Barbara Helfand on December 24, 1971, in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York. She received her Master of Arts degree in education from the University of South Florida and enjoyed a fulfilling career as a guidance counselor with the Pasco County School System at Lake Myrtle Elementary School, where she was well-loved by her students and colleagues. She was married to her loving husband Craig McElhany on August 27, 2011, at the Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida.
Sherry was an avid lover of sports, supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, and she enjoyed watching the NCAA March Madness tournaments. She loved the nostalgia of listening to 80s music. In addition to pursuing her passion of educating and counseling children, she spent time as a Pampered Chef consultant. She found great value and comfort as a follower of Jesus with the Idlewild Baptist Church. Her smile and enthusiasm for life were infectious, and she was adored by all who knew her. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and friend, who loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends.
Sherry is survived by her husband Craig McElhany and her son Ryder McElhany; her mother Barbara Helfand; her brothers Michael (Lauren) Helfand and Scotty Helfand; her nephew and nieces Michael (Payge) Helfand, Kendyl Helfand, and Alexis Helfand (Gabriella Deluca); and her great nephews Jaxson and Mason Helfand. She was predeceased by her father Jerald Helfand.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sherry’s memory to a GoFundMe created to support the family during this difficult time: https://gofund.me/3cbe536f
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