Sherry Esenwein, 71, passed away peacefully on July 2 at her home in Annapolis, Maryland, surrounded by her husband, Todd Esenwein, and her beloved miniature poodle, Pierre.
Born in Buckhannon, West Virginia, to Stephen and Margaret Smega, Sherry grew up loving the outdoors, often riding her horse Polly with friends. She was a vibrant student at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, where she graduated in 1971 as a varsity cheerleader and competitive swimmer, cherishing her friendships.
Sherry’s lifelong love of dogs began early—her mother, Gene, bred Cairn Terriers. Canine companionship would remain a constant joy. She shared her home with golden retriever “Woody,” Labrador retriever “Haley,” and her beloved standard poodle “Remy,” who was her constant companion for fourteen years. In her final years, miniature poodle Pierre brought her joy and remained faithfully by her side.
After graduating from West Virginia University in 1976 with a BA in Education, Sherry moved to Annapolis with her first husband, Jack Weaver. She dedicated twenty-five years to teaching middle and junior high school mathematics at several Annapolis area schools while pursuing graduate studies in education at the University of Maryland.
In 1994, Sherry faced profound loss when Jack passed away after a five-year battle with leukemia. She demonstrated unwavering devotion, driving from Annapolis to Georgetown University Hospital daily to care for him until the end.
Love found Sherry again in 1996 when she met Todd while calling her golden retriever “Woody” across the street from Todd’s late sister Korky Fiddler’s home. When Todd proposed in 1998, Sherry’s characteristically thoughtful response was “maybe,” followed by a firm “probably!” Their marriage brought decades of happiness and shared adventures.
After her teaching career, Sherry worked part-time at the Peake House in Annapolis for ten years. She was an active member of the Severn Town Club and participated enthusiastically in her Amberley neighborhood book clubs.
Sherry’s adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively, with particular fondness for the French Riviera and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. She treasured accompanying Todd on business trips, turning work travel into romantic getaways.
Sherry lived life to the fullest—a life well-lived and deeply loved. She will be profoundly missed by many, but most especially by her devoted husband Todd and faithful Pierre.
She is survived by her husband Todd Esenwein; sister Ann Smega Bergstrom (Harry); nephews Brian (Katie) and Todd (Sarah) Bergstrom; great-niece Audrey and great-nephew Blake; sisters-in-law Cynthia Esenwein and Leslie (Bruce) McNair; nephews Marshal (Kristin) McNair and Bruce (Sheridan) McNair Jr.; brother-in-law Bob (Danuta) Fiddler; and nephews David (Erin) Fiddler and Morgan (Anna) Fiddler, who will all carry forward the stories of her beautiful life.
Country roads, take me home…
A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, DC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.
