On Thursday, October 14, 2021 we lost our mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend; Sheryl Lyman Heck. Sheryl passed away unexpectedly at age 77 at her residence in Herkimer.
Born in Oneonta on May 11, 1944 to Conrad and Gertrude Lyman, Sheryl leaves behind her children Constance (Tim) Haney and Amand “Fritz” (Maria) Heck along with grandchildren Sawyer and Carson Haney and Katelyn (Justin) Doss, Tyler (Kelly) Heck, and Hunter Heck. She also has a nephew, Tim Fish, and niece Amanda Fish Alger along with great nieces and nephews.
Sheryl was predeceased by her husband Amand E. Heck, father and mother Conrad and Gertrude Lyman, Father and Mother-in-law Amand and Doris (Safford) Heck, Sister-in-law, Anna Fish Tim, and niece Bridget Fish-Graves. Sheryl was an only child growing up in Otego riding horses with her father. Unfortunately, she lost her father at the age of twelve. It was then that she moved to Oneonta with her mother, Gertrude.
Sheryl was an excellent student and excelled in science, winning many awards.
While at Oneonta High School, she met Amand, the love of her life. They were high school sweethearts and married on September 21, 1963, when they began their family of their own. Family and the church were an important part of her life, and the extended family gathered every Sunday for dinner after church at St. Mary’s in Oneonta.
Once her children started school, Sheryl pursued higher education at SUNY Oneonta and completed her undergraduate in Education. She also had an interest in theatre, performing in one of the productions in college. Her teaching career began at South New Berlin Central School where she taught high school English. Her former students often said that she was the best and toughest teacher that they had and that the English education that they received from her more than prepared them for college. Sheryl also took on the production of the Senior Play at South New Berlin, rekindling her passion for theatre. She was very proud of the students and the productions. She also instituted the Faculty Play, which was always a big hit with the school community. She spent many hours after school with the students and her colleagues developing lifelong relationships. Sheryl helped new teachers grow into great teachers and gave them the skills that they needed to secure tenure. She was also the chair of the teacher’s association.
Sheryl was proudest of her children and their accomplishments. She supported them in everything that they wished to pursue. It was an amazing feat that she was able to attend every single event for both Connie and Fritz throughout high school and beyond. She would often bring food to the school for dinner in between practices or events. She was a role model, and as parents, we hope to match her commitment.
In 1999, Sheryl was involved in a car accident that would leave her disabled and prevent her return to the classroom, forcing her to retire; but teaching and retuning to the classroom were always on her mind. Her husband, Amand, never left her side through recovery and rehabilitation. He was devoted to her every need, and with the outstanding support of all the doctors, nurses, and therapists, especially at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, she was able to regain some independence. It was their plan to purchase a motor home and a place on the lake in retirement. Sheryl and Amand were able to realize that dream, still in love today.
Services will be held on Friday, 22 Oct, at Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St, Oneonta. Calling hours are from 6:00pm to 7:00pm with a service at 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Brain Trauma Foundation at www.braintrauma.org/donate.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com for the Heck family.