Sherry worked as a cook at Bloomingdale, from November 28, 1983 until she retired on October 22, 2013. She gave us 30 years of great food and the charm of her warm smile. Our executive director, José Velilla especially loved her cornbread, fried fish, and fried chicken. He had this to say, “Sherry loved to cook for the Bloomingdale children and sometimes at special events for the staff. Sherry even portrayed Santa Claus once or twice during the Christmas season. She and Joyce Green made the kitchen a welcome place for staff, parents, and guests. May she rest in peace.”
Education Director Marilyn Barnwell remembered, “When Sherry was in the kitchen it wasn’t just about the delicious food she prepared. It was also about the welcoming and friendly atmosphere she helped to create there. The kitchen was where staff and families always felt at home. We all will miss the contagious happiness she gave us. “
Alex Williams, another long-time Bloomingdale employee shared his thoughts: I would just like to say that BFP was and still is my ” home” away from “home”. So many memories. Susan (my mother )[Susan Feingold, our founding executive director], Joyce [Joyce Green, who ran Bloomingdale’s kitchen for many years] and Sherry (my sisters), and of course, it was Sherry who penned me in as their “Little Brother”. There is certainly one thing that will stand out and will be missed by Sherry and that will be her cooking. I think that she was “God Blessed” at that talent and it truly was something she enjoyed doing- pleasing those not only at BFP but at BFP and beyond.
Her church in South Carolina, the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, recalled her on Facebook: “Sherry was such a kind, energetic, loving and selfless giving soul and she never met a stranger who didn’t love her. She will truly be missed by all who had the honor of meeting her. Sleep on our beautiful friend and take your rest. We will forever love you but God loves you best.”