Uxbridge Writers' Circle has lost its esteemed leader, Sherry Loeffler. She left us suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, May 2 at Markham-Stouffville Hospital with her family at her side.
Ted Barris has written a heart-warming tribute to Sherry, and he has permitted us to share this with her family and friends:
"People call, write, query me every week of every year. They ask me,
“What does it take to be a writer?” As often as I can, I respond with
recommendations such as: being creative, ensuring you’re organized, trying to
be braver than the world expects. But perhaps most often I suggest that persistence may be the real key to it
all.
The first time I met Sherry, we both attended a Writers’ Circle of
Durham Region (now called Writers’ Community) monthly meeting. I’d just had a
non-fiction book published and she told me she was working on one too. Then,
she quizzed me about my process, my marketing plan, any recommendations I might
have. I realized I was dealing with someone on a mission. She had great
questions for me (many I had to think long and hard about before answering).
Whenever we met in the months and years that followed, she continued to pepper
me with questions. By that time, she was working on her book, The Dreaded ‘C’ Word, and I told her
that I didn’t think she needed any guidance from me. She knew exactly what she
wanted. She knew precisely what the book should say, and what it should look like.
When the book came out, Sherry’s peers – all of us – realized it had been her
persistence and drive that had made it happen. Not to mention that it had been
an appropriate tribute to her husband and their unique relationship.
Sherry and I continued to meet as fellow writers – whenever I was asked
to speak to and assist members of the Writers’ Circle in Uxbridge. And, as
usual, Sherry had plenty of questions for me, the next query as challenging as
the last. Whenever I addressed the Uxbridge group, I always pointed to Sherry
as the epitome of a writer’s personality. Always stretching her creative
muscles, never being finished until the work personally satisfied her, and
always, always persisting to be the
best writer should could.
If success is ever the measure of a writer, Sherry Loeffler achieved it
(and then some) on her own terms. As well as her family and friends, her fellow
writers will certainly miss her presence and drive. I sure will…
Ted Barris"
Thank you, Ted.
Comment from Sue Reynolds, Inkslingers:
"Ted has beautifully captured Sherry's resolve and her spirit in this loving tribute to a colleague.
Thank you Ted.
We'll miss you Sherry.
xoxo
Comment from Helen Miller:
Sherry I miss your laugh, your observations on life and your calm steady leadership in the writers circle.
Your dedication to writers and writing was a gift that made you shine.
You endured toes removed and bags of medication around your waist but that did not stop you from coming to meetings.
You were the 'energized writing bunny'.
You arrived to challenge us with timed writing exercises, pictures you had collected and words in a box.
Have fun organizing your new heavenly writing group.
Comment from Rosemarie Dawson-Hill:
I joined the Uxbridge Writers' Circle in May 2017. With great kindness, our leader, Sherry, welcomed me into the group. I have looked forward to attending monthly meetings ever since.
Sherry always took a genuine interest in each one of the group's writing endeavours and provided us with thoughtful insights. She was a gifted and dedicated writer, and one of the sincerest women you could ever hope to meet.
Knowing Sherry has been an honour. Our writers' circle will not be the same without her guiding hand at the helm.
Comment from Linda Clulow:
When I first joined the writers group I was a bit anxious and not at all confident that I would fit into the group. I was put at ease immediately with Sherry's welcoming demeanour and encouragement. I didn't know her well but it didn't take much to see her big heart and understand her passion for writing. I will miss her at the helm of the table, keeping us focused with a bit of fun and humour thrown in for effect!
Comment from Ruth Walker:
I've known Sherry for years. A kind, thoughtful and supportive person, Sherry exemplified the best qualities of a writer in community. Her faith gave her such a positive attitude despite the many challenges life handed her. I'll miss her constant smile.
Comment from Tom Mccreight
I would just like to say how much I will miss Sherry's smile, laugh, enthusiasm, and encouragement at our monthly meetings.
