Sherrie Lee Ann Powers Lapriore

Sherrie Lee Ann (Wardell) Powers, Lapriore, age 70 from Worcester, MA, passed away March 10, 2022 after a long illness. She wanted her obituary to only state "she lived, she died," but there was a lot of life in between. She was born, almost in a hearse, January 23, 1952 in Jacksonville, NC to USMC Staff Seargent George Frederick Wardell, Sr. from Poughkeepsie, NY and Shirley Ann (Marotta) Wardell, LPN of Worcester, MA. Sherrie leaves behind: her husband of 40 years, Gennaro Thomas Lapriore, Jr., her son, Joseph Powers, Jr. of Worcester, MA, her daughter and son-in-law, Alyssa M. (Powers) Hemingway and Matthew "My Mattie" Hemingway of Worcester, MA, son and daughter-in-law Gennaro "Jet" T. Lapriore, III and Stephanie (Cronin) Lapriore of Worcester, MA and three step-daughters: Gina LaFevers of Arizona, Amy Fisher of Shrewsbury, MA, and Danielle Lapriore of Arizona. She also leaves behind six, younger siblings: Elaine Rotan and her husband Jeff of New Castle, DE, Toni Lane of Worcester, MA, Jody Elliot and her husband Jeff of Fitzwilliam, NH, Tracy Garceau of Wilmington, DE, Christine Wardell of Worcester, MA, a brother, George Wardell, Jr. of Worcester, MA, five grandchildren, Douglas, Hailey, Dominic, Olivia, and Lorenzo, many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved friends. She is pre-deceased by her "rock" and dearest sister, Wendy Mae (Wardell) Armstrong, whom she is "holding hands" with together for eternity in the same resting place. 

Sherrie was educated at Saint Mary's and later at Becker College, where she received her Paralegal Degree. She had an eclectic employment career beginning with dog training (until a customer brought a wolf hybrid and she was attacked) and working as a QA/QC Mechanical Assembler at such companies as Honeywell, Wang, Stratus, etc. (until the tech bubble burst). She was a receptionist at Fallon Clinic and the former St. Vincent Hospital, became a Security Guard, Meter Maid, and finally a USPS Letter Carrier. She often worked two and three jobs a time.

As the last child in Worcester, MA diagnosed with Polio, Sherrie was informed that, even after three years of physical therapy, she would eventually be wheelchair bound by the age of fifty. Due to her strength, determination, and willful defiance, she tearfully fought through and ignored the frequent leg pains and cramps. Her lengthy and varied employment career ended as a Westborough, MA Letter Carrier with a walking route of at least twenty-five miles daily for ten years. Because of this physical activity, doctors told her it's what kept her out of a wheelchair. She was a hard worker and found fulfillment through working. She enjoyed her "customers" and provided treats to their "puppies." 

Wanting to be a veterinarian since childhood and her first dog "Wipe-Out," Sherrie loved animals and could not stop herself over the years from rescuing many stray and abused dogs and cats. She even rescued an Iguana and Box Turtle she found dumped in a parking lot. Per her wishes, her ashes are mixed with her "puppies" ashes: Autumn, Cocoa, and Zeta. She also rescued people. With her big heart, she was always willing to open her home. In addition to annually buying gifts for homeless kids at the church, she would buy presents for anyone who might be visiting. Everyone had to have a present. The family grew to include: James and her son's other friends and parents, Christopher her mechanic, Kevin, her daughter's friend, Christy, a dear friend, etc.  Sherrie held a stranger's hand, who was lying in the street after being shot, while waiting for an ambulance.  She also let an elderly man, who was walking down the street and suddenly was in the midst of a heart attack, rest in her car until paramedics arrived.  She would jump into a situation where a person or animal needed help. That was her loving, rescuing heart.

Her interests were just as varied. In her "spare" time, Sherrie was also the VP of Vernon Hill Park's Lou Gehrig Little League for several years and was involved in Vernon Hill Park's Lou Gehrig Softball League, often helping with concessions and fund raising. She enjoyed team bowling in Shrewsbury, MA, Bingo at St. Peters in Worcester, MA, trips to Foxwoods and to the beach, gardening, reading Stephen King novels, visiting yard sales, flea markets, Salvation Army, etc.  Sherrie loved anything unique and hunting for treasures. She never got over being unable to repair her beloved 1974 T-Top Berlinetta Camaro.  

Sherrie had a quick wit and a wonderfully weird sense of humor at times. She was a naturally gifted: acoustic guitar player, poet, song writer, painter, and could draw amazing pictures. She had fun for several years painting and selling pumpkins each October.  The painted pumpkin faces ranged from quirky and silly to scary.  She was also creatively blessed with a keen eye for photography.  She started writing a book many years ago in which a reputable publisher stated it was "viable."  In her left-brained world, the plot was exciting, unique, and never experienced. Just like Sherrie. 

Final care was provided by Callahan, Fay, Caswell Funeral Home. Private burial was at St. John's Cemetery, St. George Section, in Worcester, MA. Memorial donations may be made to a choice of animal rescue organizations: About Ce-Ce and Friends (angelfire.com), Homepage | Best Friends Animal Society - Save Them All, Pat Brody Shelter for Cats: Welcome to Our Web Site (catsontheweb.org), About the Organization - Second Chance Animals.  To share a memory or message of condolence to the family, please visit: Obituaries (callahanfay.com)