Sherryl Goldfinger passed away at her home early in the morning, Dec. 18, with her family surrounding her and holding her hands.

When asked earlier if she was fearful of death, she responded without hesitation, “I’m more curious than fearful of what comes next.”

Sherryl was many things to many people — wife, mother, artist, business woman — but most of all friend to many.

Born on July 13, 1949, she was raised in the Bay Area, and married Paul Goldfinger in 1980. The couple have two children, Roger (1983) and Alleson (1985). The family lived in Davis, Calif., for more than 20 years before Sherryl and Paul moved to Langley in 2005.

Sherryl was a gifted artist, working in a number of mediums including wood turning, watercolor, book making and jewelry. While her work was displayed at the California State Fair and sold at local galleries, she preferred to make things that she wanted to keep or give to her family and friends. She was a founding member of the Whidbey Island Sketchers.

In Sherryl’s own words:

“My children are the greatest gift of all.”

“I’ve had a lifelong love and curiosity of new things and how things work.”

“In later years I’ve learned that I should stop trying to be the person I’m ‘supposed to be’ and relax and just be the person I am.”

“We all have God inside of us.”

And we all shall miss your love, wisdom, insights and humor. We will always feel your energy in the world.

There will be a celebration of Sherryl’s life at 4 p.m., Jan. 19, at Comforts Winery. In lieu of flowers, Sherryl asked that people make a donation to a charity of their choice.