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Sherry O’Connell Heitz, of Wentzville, Mo., a beloved member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, was born on May 2, 1943, and called home to Jesus on March 19, 2025.
She was the cherished wife of John Heitz and a proud mother to Peggy O’Connell (Brian McMillan) and Sheila O’Connell (Brian Hays). Sherry’s heart expanded with love for her cherished Italian AFS son, Pasquale (Andrea Bay) Leone, and she found immense joy as the grandmother to Maggie, Collin, Cameron, Kieran O’Connell, and Alex Hays. Sherry was a devoted sister to Joan (late Tom) Raftery, Jim (Sylvia) Eufinger, and Carol (Jim) Thomann, and best friend since freshman year of high school to Charlotte “Charlie” Behle. Sherry embraced her role as a caring aunt, great-aunt, godmother, and sister-in-law to many.
Sherry was especially beloved by her AFS friends from around the world, with special connections to those in Costa Rica, Italy, and South Africa.
Known by many names – Sherry, Sherry Bob, Aunt Sherry, Aunt Prudence, MammaO, GramO, Dear, Sissy, Sister, and Mom – she loved deeply and was cherished by many.
A member of St. Jude’s Parish in St. Louis for over 40 years, Sherry graduated from St. Mark’s Catholic Girls School in 1961 and retired from Western Union in 2005.
A Life of Joy and Generosity
Sherry was always sprinkling happiness and spreading joy – whether it was to dance in the kitchen, sing along to the radio, throw a pizza party, or read a good book, she loved life. In between fun with family and friends, Sherry and John shared a lifetime of delicious meals, traveling, and taking dance classes to shimmy, shake, and glide to any of the dozens and dozens of songs she knew by heart and sang in her own special key.
Sherry delighted in talking to everyone. She wanted to hear all your stories and to share in your laughter, love, and even your tears. She rarely met a stranger, and everyone walked away from her happier than when they arrived. Her generosity, kindness, and sensible nature shone brightly throughout her life. In a final act of hope and help, she chose to donate her well-loved, world-traveled, boogie-woogie body to science.
Celebration of Life
A Mass to celebrate Sherry’s vibrant life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fayette, Mo. The family warmly invites all to join the mass and visit afterward at McMillan’s Cafe.
Please leave the black at home and come dressed in something bright and cheerful, just like Sherry. Whether you’re there in person or spirit, let your attire reflect the joy Sherry brought into our lives. After all, she was a party waiting to happen, any day of the week. As long as there was cake, Sherry was there, happy to celebrate!
In lieu of flowers, treat yourself to a cupcake and consider making a donation to Parkinson’s research in her memory.
Rest in peace, dear Sherry. You are missed beyond measure.
