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Obituary
GRANKA, Sherri Lynn - 57, of Brantford, died January 20, 2014. Sherri was born to the late Rhoton and Yvonne Cross, June 9, 1956 in Muncie, Indiana. She graduated from Cowan High School in 1974 and was a member of the National Honor Society. Sherri attended Ambassador College in Pasadena, California before moving to Canada with her husband Bernard in 1977. Sherri continued her studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario where she received a BA in German Studies with a minor in music in 1979. In 1983 she received a scholarship to Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York where she graduated with a MA in Social Science (Translation) in 1988. Sherri worked as a freelance translator (German, French, Russian into English), editor and proof-reader for various organizations including MacMillan Publishing and IBM. After moving back to Canada and beginning a family, Sherri taught French in a preschool and pursued her love of music, continuing lessons in piano and taking violin lessons. She also began teaching, giving private piano lessons and group classes through the Music for Young Children program. Music was a way of life for Sherri: she was a piano accompanist to violinists, played violin in community orchestras in Toronto and Brantford, accompanied children's choirs including the Brantford Children's Chorus, Con Brio group, taught music theory and continued to take courses in music pedagogy. Sherri is survived by her husband Bernard and two children: Geoffrey of Brantford and Michelle Kennedy (Aaron) of Kitchener and one grandson Sean Kennedy. She is also survived by her sister Cheryl of Shelbyville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Stedman Hospice. There will be a memorial service and reception at St. Andrew's United Church Brantford, Ontario on Sunday, February 2nd at 2:00 p.m.
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Cledice Decker (1959)
Deceased Classmate: Sherri Cross 1974 (Granka)
Date Of Birth: June -9-1956
Date Deceased: January-20-2014
Age at Death: 57
Cause of Death: cancer
Classmate City: Brantford
Classmate State: ON
Classmate Country: Canada
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Bernard Granka, husband. Son and daughter, one grandson
Accomplished translator, editor and musician. Loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Steve Frandsen (1975)
I was honoured and priviliged to be the Best Man at Sherri and Bernie's wedding in 1976, the only time I have been asked to do so.Thanks to them for asking me. My condolences to Bernie and their children and Sherri's other family members. I did not know Sherri that well but I remember that she seemed to be a happy and positive person with a good sense of humour.
Ronald Robinson (1973)
I am saddened to hear of Sherri's death. She was part of our German class group that went to Germany in 1975 under the direction of Mr. Rupp. Our group spent the last two weeks of our time traveling throughout Germany. We actually split into two groups part way through because of personalily conflicts (differences of opinions on where to visit next). It was a bit of a shock to all that we met at the train station the next morning at the same time. The train the other group was going to take didn't run that day, it only ran on work days. They rejoined us. All worked out just fine. Bernie came to visit Sherri one weekend. Sherri put on a beautiful dress, coral as I remember. At least Ron Harter, Lance Robinson and myself were at the station when she went to meet Bernie. As some trains slowed but didn't stop we kidded Sherri that we saw Bernie but he couldn't get off as the train didn't stop. I believe she hit us with her parasol. :>)
Bernie, I am sorry for your loss.
Annette Weatherley (Forkun) (1974)
I was very sad to see Sherri's name on the list of In Memory at the reunion. Sherri had gotten in contact with me just a few years ago when we realized we both lived in the Toronto area. She was a freshman when I came over as a senior to Pasadena from Bricket Wood when Bricket Wood closed and we were in the same dorm. I regret that we did not get together for a visit after reconnecting. Condolences to the family.
Robert Lilie (1974)
I am so sorry to hear of Sherri's death. I only knew her for a little bit at A.C., as a very charming and loving person. I believe we only had one Sabbath or Bible Study date which concluded with a nice walk and talk around the academic area. She was such a joy to be around with her funny laugh and gracious mannerisms. I knew this little girl was going places. In German class, she was a natural and such a very talented piano player. When I left A.C. in 1976 to return home, Sherri was going home too, for the summer, back to Muncie, Indiana, not far from where I was going ...to Cincinnati, Ohio. We rode Amtrak to Chicago, only by pure co-incidence, and then on through Indiana. I remember we had breakfast together one morning in the diner. We talked of our A.C. experiences. I was so sad to see her get off the train. Her father, whom I had never met and a fellow Worldwider, was waiting for her at the station. I saluted them, as I had been formerly in NROTC, as the train pulled away. I was never to see Sherri again, but always cherished every moment of time with her to this day. My heart literally sank, when I heard of her passing, so young and so full of God-given talent. My heartfelt condolences to the family. I know she will be sorely missed. She is one I surely hope to meet again when the time is right, on the other side.
Bob Lilie
Veronica Charles (1974)
Sherri and I were dorm mates and friends. She and Bernie started dating when I was a student. I actually had a shower for Sherri. I had been in touch for a while in recent years. So sorry Bernie.Gene Nouhan (Nouhan) (1975)
Sorry to hear this. She was a sweet person; so gifted!