"Sherry saved my butt in Math. I had severe Math and test anxiety. She put me up in delux accomodations, her office:) Brought me Christmas cookies to eat and placed a picture of Chauncey in front of me to calm me. When the culinary arts program made good food? I got out of class early to get food for both of us and we enjoyed many a lunch chat together. I know Chauncey met you with a wagging tail. Much love to you my friend. There is no more grief. Only peace"
In loving memory of
Sherry Masters
October 29, 1946 - November 3, 2016
Sherry Masters, age 70, of Madison, passed away on November 3, 2016 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, three weeks after being diagnosed with AML. Sherry was a revered and feared mathematics instructor in Madison until her retirement in 2004, successfully teaching thousands of math-phobic students to come to class on time, show their work, and stop talking among themselves in the back row. However, her true calling and proudest achievement was her role as promoter and maidservant to her internationally famous dog, Chauncey Poodle. Two anecdotes out of thousands must suffice. Sherry loved to tell the story of how a woman approached her while she and Chauncey were walking at a mall in Madison. The woman said "Hi, Chauncey!" When Sherry asked how she knew him, the woman replied that she had met the two of them at the Miami Beach Public Library. Sherry said, "But there are lots of people with their dogs at the library." "Yes," said the woman, "but no other dog was being read to by its owner." People were often taken aback to see Sherry pushing Chauncey around Madison in his Poodlemobile stroller. Noticing their surprise, Sherry would ask, "Do you think my son looks like a dog?"
Sherry and Chauncey are fondly remembered and deeply missed by their many friends in Madison and around the world. Sherry would like to leave us with one final lesson, which her former students will recognize: Do what you love and need to do NOW, as no make-up exam will be given.
Donations may be made in Sherry's memory to the OccuPaws Guide Dog Association or the Jewish Federation of Madison. A gathering will take place at a later date to celebrate the life of our remarkable, unforgettable friend.
Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"Dear Family as We all Loved Sherry she was Family to me! And my Toy Poodles Loved Aunt Sherry! My heart is very sadden Absent from the Body present with the Lord! God has a True Angel!!!! Rest in Heaven my Friend!!!!! I will Miss you!!!!!!"
"I was an F student in math in high school. I went to MATC and Sherry turned me into a person who loved and excelled in math. I graduated from college with highest honors, and would have never gotten where I did in life without her caring and enthusiastic approach with me as a student in math. She instilled a love for math in me, and I always had the utmost respect for her as a person and teacher. She definitely turned my life around at a time in my life where I lacked confidence and motivation. I was truly blessed to have studied under her. Larry V"
"I have fond memories of this teacher from a college math class in the mid 70s. She made mathematical understanding possible and fun or those of us not so inclined. I still have the textbook because I always meant to finish it on my own. Time to give that a try. Fare thee well. "
"Sherry I have only known you and your beloved Chauncey through Facebook for a couple years but in that time it was obvious you brought a lot of joy and humor to many people world wide. I know you are with your beloved Chauncey but this world is a little dimmer without you. You will be greatly missed. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to your friends and family. God Bless. "
"A dear soul has left us, but her spirit and the many memories she leaves behind will be of great comfort to all who knew her. I was that student in the back of the room probably chattering too much, and she had a way of quieting me without saying a word, ok, sometimes saying a word or two :-) Later in life, I became a colleague and I so enjoyed our discussions. She was an amazing woman who you could always count on to be her authentic self. My deepest sympathies to family and friends. May you find comfort in the many memories and moments spent together. She has left a footprint on many, many lives and will be always thought of fondly."
"I was a returning student at 48 years old when I had Sherry as a math teacher. She was such an encouragement for me as I was going through a very difficult time in my life. She encouraged me to take further math studies, as I found I enjoyed math and was successful, much credit to her excellent teaching. Thank you, Sherry. Yes, I too believe my dogs and cats will be in Heaven!"
"The world's greatest math teacher!! My daughter, Lisa, hated math, but Sherry changed that. All three of my children had her as an instructor and loved her. I worked with her at MATC and will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. God bless and rest in peace. Mary Tremain"
" "I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there (in Heaven), I believe he'll be there."-Rev Billy Graham Oh, Sherry, I miss you so, but I do believe you are with your Chauncey, and all those you have loved and lost. It was your love for Chauncey that brought him with you into eternity...be at peace, surrounded by love, free from pain and anxiety, and know how much I loved you, forever and ever, Claire, Francis and Charlie"
"I am so with Peggy and her quote from Will Rogers. Sherry and Chauncey we will miss you both but we know your together and for me who found Sir Sweet Chauncey for Sherry in a pet store on State St. back 18 years ago I always loved you for giving that adorable puppy a loving home and you didn't really even like dogs !!! But you feel in love with Chauncey and took her home and she was your bestie and you took him everywhere in his Poodle mobile.My friend, you will be so missed and only wish we had more time to cruise in our Miata's with our tops down and pups as co pilot!!! Love you and rest in peace."
""If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they (Chauncy) went" Will Rogers. Godspeed Sherry from Peggy and Sparky"
"Dear Friend it will be a sad world without your sense of humor bestowed on us. Love Cheryl & Lucy"
"My dear friend it will be a sad world without your love and sense of humor bestowed on us. Cheryl & Lucy"