Vriend, Sherry (neé Hurley)
June 30, 1967 – June 2, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sherry Vriend (neé Hurley), cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend. After a valiant fight with cancer, Sherry passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, with her family by her side. She was 57 years old.
Sherry was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. In 1998, she married her best friend and loving husband, Mike. They moved to Dundas, where they raised their children, and her pride and joy, Emmali and Sam.
Sherry lived a life filled with courage, determination, resilience, and kindness, and she paved the way for and inspired many. She was the first in her family to attend university, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from York University in 1992. Sherry was a fierce advocate for people in need. Family, friend, or stranger, she was always willing to lend a hand and offer support. Most of her career and volunteer work focused on supporting and advocating for children and youth in crisis, and victims and witnesses of violence. When her children were young, Sherry was also a volunteer for youth hockey and figure skating clubs.
Sherry amassed a devoted ‘village’ of family and friends, which is a testament to the person she was, and the life she lived. She enjoyed making people smile, sharing fun times with her village, doing interior design and home renovations, travelling (especially to a tropical beach!), and playing and watching hockey.
Sherry was blessed and grateful to have her village by her side and lifting her spirits during her final cancer battle. She was also thankful for the compassion and care from her healthcare team, especially Dr. Zbuk, Deb Evans, Jamie Lynn, and the nurses and staff at Bayshore and Juravinski Cancer Center and Hospital.
Sherry, and her beautiful smile, will be missed by all who knew her. Her inspiring legacy is one of strength, courage, hope, and faith, and it will live on in those she leaves behind. May she rest peacefully knowing that she will be forever loved, cherished, and remembered.
Sherry is predeceased by her beloved mother, Jean Hurley. She leaves behind her husband Mike, daughter Emmali, son Sam, dog Goose, mother-in-laws Marlene and Barb, brothers Jim and Terry (Tracy), sisters Sandy (Bill) and Pattee (Joel), sister-in-law Pam (Anthony), and many loved nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of Sherry’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sherry’s memory to Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada, Wellwood Cancer Resource Centre, or Margaret’s Place Hospice.
