Sheri Lee “Shesh” (Smith) Pierce died unexpectedly in her home in Sterling on Thursday, January 4, 2024, where she had lived for the past 25 years, after a tiring battle with M.S. Sheri was born on August 31, 1960, in Gardner, a daughter to Ronald and Elizabeth Smith, both predeceased, along with her sister, Linda Smith Burden. She leaves behind her son Lincoln, who was her pride and joy, close friend Brian, sister Debra Smith Rigney and husband George Rigney, her brother Christopher Smith, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Sheri grew up in Holden, where she attended the Wachusett Regional School system and made friendships that lasted her entire lifetime. Sheri attended Worcester State University, where she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education. She then found her calling shortly after and received her LPN and worked as a nurse in various medical facilities over the next 12 years. After a career in nursing, she decided to make a change and get back to her roots of wanting to work with and help children and started a new career as a school bus driver. She drove kids of all ages from kindergarten to high school, but regardless of age, all the kids looked at her the same way. Someone they looked forward to seeing every morning, someone that greeted them with kindness and a smile, and someone they could trust to get them to school and back home. Every holiday she was showered with thank you cards from parents for keeping their children safe.

Sheri was known for her sense of humor and her amazing laugh. She could talk to anyone about anything for endless amounts of time. She was always the first one to be there for her loved ones when they needed something. She was happy as long as all of the people in her life were happy. She had a passion for arts and crafts, but never kept anything for herself. She showered her loved ones with handmade gifts. From blankets, to customized pictures, to actual clothing, there was nothing that she couldn’t craft together with a couple of knitting needles and some yarn. She had endless amounts of love in her heart and those closest to her could feel that every single day. Sheri will be missed deeply by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the funeral home. The interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of her to https://www.thetrevorproject.org/.