Sheryl A. Augustin, 79, of Marion, Iowa, passed on to eternal life at Terrace Glen Village Assisted Living Facility, Marion on Friday, September 24, 2021 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. A Mass in celebration of her life is planned for Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. Friends may visit at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial: 2 p.m. at St. John's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Marion.
Those unable to join in person may watch the Mass via webcast. A link to the webcast and to share your support and memories with Sheryl's family can be found on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Sheryl was a Cedar Rapids native and graduated from Regis High School in 1960. After graduation she entered the Novitiate of the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic in Valley Park, Missouri. and then earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Mary Rogers College near Maryknoll, New York.
After taking her final vows to become a Maryknoll Missionary Sister, she performed missionary work and taught English in Taiwan for three years. After Taiwan, Sheryl returned to Cedar Rapids and taught First and Second grade at Polk and Johnson Elementary schools for another three years before entering the health care profession.
Sheryl was a Radiation Therapist at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids for 18 years. After moving to Marion in 1987, she spent the last ten years of her working life as a Medical Transcriptionist at MercyCare Marion Family Medicine.
She devoted her life to her Catholic faith and the care of others. She was an energetic and proactive parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and most recently of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. She was also a frequent volunteer for several other charitable organizations. She loved the outdoors, gardening, and spoiling her pet schnauzers. Three words personify Sheryl: Loving, Caring, and Compassionate. She exemplified a true disciple of Christ and always put the welfare of others above any of her personal needs.
Survivors include her brother, Chuck Augustin of Denton, Texas; two nieces, Lisa (Alan) Moulder of Dallas, Texas, and Kerri (Troy Pople) Augustin of Denton, Texas; three great-nieces, Alesha (Chavis Johnson) Augustin of Denton, Texas, Amanda and Alyson Moulder of Dallas, Texas; one great-nephew, Jeremy Augustin of Orange City, Florida; one great-great nephew, Austin Johnson of Denton, Texas; and several cousins.
Sheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Augustin; father, Lawrence Augustin; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Augustin.
Sheryl's family thanks all the wonderful professionals at Terrace Glen Village Assisted Living Facility for their loving and compassionate care of Sheryl and the compassionate support for brother Chuck and his family. Thanks also to several of Sheryl's friends who spent countless hours visiting, comforting, and praying with Sheryl during the end of her life here on earth.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in memory of Sheryl to any of the following: Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Community Health Free Clinic, Cedar Rapids; St. John of the Cross Catholic Worker House, Cedar Rapids; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion; Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Inc., Maryknoll, New York; or Unbound, Kansas City, Missouri.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Marion
I am a good friend of Chuck Augustin, and unfortunately met Sheryl only briefly one time, during the funeral for Chuck’s wife JoAnn. However, I can honestly say that my first impression of Sheryl was that she seemed almost “Angelic”. I then learned later about Sheryl’s life , and her devotion to help others, and my first impression was validated. I pray for the family but they should have great comfort in knowing that Sheryl seems to be a very likely candidate to enter the Kingdom of Heaven first class! Jim Betts
In 1967, Sheryl, Carole and I were assigned to Taiwan by the Maryknoll Sisters. Sheryl and I visited her family in Iowa on our way. We were in newly modified habits and while waiting for the Sisters in the Honolulu airport, Sher’s veil was blown off by the wind. We shared a room in a small tatami duplex during language school, which was every day for one year. During that year, we shared many joys, laughs, and challenges. Sheryl was a godsend with her gentle and reflective personality. We kept our friendship over the many years that followed. Sher was Godmother to our first son, Christopher. Terry and I had many visits with her until my last visit shortly after her diagnosis. Sheryl accepted her illness and giving up her home for assisted living with the graciousness that was so much a part of her spirituality. Sheryl, my gratitude and love are with you always, Angela
I visited with Sheryl only a few times through activities at St Joseph Church. What a lovely, caring person always smiling and joyful! My sympathy in your loss. Margie
I met Sheryl in 1960 when we entered the Maryknoll Sisters. Friendships grew during those years in the “Mother of Mankind” group. That truly fits, Sheryl, doesn’t it – her loving, quiet strength. The spirit of Maryknoll continued in Sheryl’s life even after she withdrew from active ministry. Her twinkling eyes, calm demeanor and presence brought peace of many. My heart is filled with deep gratitude for the friendship of this lovely servant minister. Thank you for sharing your many gifts with the world, Sheryl. (Judy and Carl Scheider – Minnesota)
Dear Friends and Family of Sheryl, Here I am, another Maryknoll friend to give thanks with you for Sheryl and to celebrate her wonderful spirit and that great smile. I feel your loss with you and pray with you to Sheryl. A big hug, Nancy Connor
Sincere condolences to the family of Sheryl Augustin. As a classmate and friend I was always impressed with how gentle and humble she was no matter the situation. Marcia will be leading the welcoming committee as she enters Heaven. Joe Zachar
Hi Charlie. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your kind and generous sister Sheryl. I often think of you, our friendship during the glory years, JoAnn, your mom and dad who often provided a second home for me on 15th street and, of course, Leonardos. I will try to speak with you for a few minutes tomorrow at St Johns Cemetery. I will be wearing a mask but I would know you anywhere. Wade Nelson
Wade, I so much want to see you but please note that my sister’s funeral is not until Oct 26th. Regards, Chuck Augustin
Due to my advanced age I often make these kind of mistakes, old friend. I’ll try to see you in two weeks.
Chuck, Many good memories of our days in the 15th Street hood. Plenty of times watching “Color TV “ with your family. Baseball games were always considered a special treat. And of course it was extra special if the Cardinals were playing. Our one attempt at pushing a car ended in a near calamity. I was very honored to help Sheryl and your Mom when they bought their Marion home. Anne-Marie and I are so sorry for your loss. We’re keeping you and your family in our prayers at this sad time.
Chuck, your sister will always be remembered. I will miss the frequent telephone conversations that I had with Sherrie. May the knowledge that others share your grief be a comfort in your loss. Pierre
Chuck and family; Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Sheryl. Her spirit will live on in you.
Will never forget that million $ smile. Such a good friend who kept up for over 60 years. I thank God and Maryknoll for the gift of her friendship.