Sherry Ward Johnson, age 79, of Lake in the Hills, IL, and formerly of Prairie View, IL, passed away on June 24, 2022. She was born April1 5, 1943 in Evanston, IL to her loving parents, Arthur and Edith (née Sherman) Ward.

Sherry was the beloved sister of Lynda (Jim) Gauker and Ardith (Carlos) Cortes; loving aunt of Justin Gauker and Jessica (Duane) Chappell; and great-aunt of Tyler, Gavin and Andrew Gauker, and Kailyn and Cameron Chappell.

Sherry earned a Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University, Tempe, a Masters of Arts in Psychology, Counseling and Guidance from University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, and a Bachelors of Science in Education, Speech Therapy from Northern Illinois University, Dekalb. She was the first psychiatric social worker for the outpatient oncology clinic at University Hospital in Tucson, AZ. She later became the program director of case management for the elderly and disabled at Catholic Social Services, also in Tucson.

Sherry returned to Prairie View, IL in 1997 to lovingly care for her parents, Arthur and Edith Ward during their remaining years. She then returned to work as a special ed teacher assistant for North Shore Special Education Department.

Diagnosed with Bulbar Onset ALS in 2021, Sherry died peacefully in her home after a 17-month journey of courage and grace as the disease progressed.

Wherever Sherry lived, she engaged everyone with her smile, making lasting friendships.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2700 W. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL 60124. A luncheon will follow the service. A private burial will be held at a later date at Willow Lawn Memorial Park, Vernon Hills, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sherry’s name to the ALS Association, Greater Chicagoland Chapter.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.