Estelle Sherry

Estelle M. Sherry of West Hartford passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, just six weeks shy of her 98th birthday. Born in Pittsburgh, she was raised by her mother, Rose Mattes, alongside her siblings Ryna Mattes and Lt. Herschel Mattes. The family faced profound tragedy when Herschel died in action during World War II while Estelle was still a teenager. Estelle earned her Bachelors from Carnegie Institute of Technology, where she met her loving husband of almost 70 years, Ernest Sherry. After graduating in 1948, Estelle joined Ernest in West Hartford, where they were an integral part of the community and raised their three children: Stephen, Harriet and Richard. Estelle helped run the family business, Sherry Plumbing and Heating Company, and returned to school when her oldest child reached high school, earning her Master's Degree from Central Connecticut State College. After finishing, she transitioned to teaching, and became a beloved and esteemed professor at several Connecticut community colleges, ultimately earning the title of Professor Emeritus at Capital Community College. Estelle and Ernest were founding members of Beth El Temple of West Hartford and active in many professional organizations. Together, they shared a love of golf, and traveling the world from Australia to England. She was a caring mother, devoted sister, loving wife, and joyful grandmother and great-grandmother who brought wisdom and thoughtfulness to every relationship. She is survived by her loving family: three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Beth El Temple Cemetery, Jackson Street Ext., Avon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ernest and Estelle Sherry Fund at Jewish Community Foundation ( www.jcfhartford.org).