Sherry Lee Flak

Generous, funny, and kind, Sherry Lee Flak lived a life rich in family and friends. Sherry led with her heart and was a woman who found joy in the simple things and persevered in the face of life’s challenges. No matter how difficult life was for her, Sherry never complained and never hesitated to share her blessings in the hope of helping those in need. Not only did Sherry possess an excellent memory for details of her life, but she was also a jokester who loved to make people laugh. A beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Sherry will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

It seems fitting that a woman with such a persevering spirit was born in the middle of one of the most highly charged decades in US history. While the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement resulted in volatile protests, the inventions of the Super Ball and the skateboard reminded us of the importance of play. Women’s skirts grew shorter while men’s hair grew longer, and The Beatles’ “Help” album dominated the airways. With much hope for the future, Thomas and Marjorie (VanderWoude) Flak

Welcomed their daughter, Sherry, to their family on March 6, 1967, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The second of four children, Sherry grew up in the good comfort of her siblings, Scott, Bob, and Becky, in their family home on Leonard St. NW. Sherry attended Covell Elementary and was known to be rambunctious, active, and full of energy. She loved to ride her bicycle. In her teens, Sherry worked at Sandy’s Donuts and attended Union High School.

After graduating with the class of 1985, Sherry began working as a bookkeeper for a collection agency. Several years later, she was hired by the Grand Rapids Press, where she worked alongside her mother for 25 years. Later in life, she worked for Brinks Security.

On March 31, 1990, Sherry joyfully welcomed her daughter Heather, her heart’s delight. Heather quickly became Sherry’s world, and she was so proud of her. They lived with Sherry’s mother on Gold Ave NW, where Sherry lived for over 40 years and cared for her mother until she died in 2012. Sherry and Heather were members of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish, and while Heather attended school at Sacred Heart, Sherry frequently volunteered to run the concessions for Bingo.

Sherry was a woman who found joy in many things. She loved being in the water at the beach or in a pool. Heather fondly remembers going to a hotel with a pool for a staycation and how much her mom enjoyed sitting in the sun at the beach or floating in her brother Bob’s pool. Going to the YMCA with Heather and riding her bike was always a good time. Sherry loved playing Keno while out to dinner and playing Hee Haw slots at the casino, but she didn’t like going to Firekeepers, which she called “Money Keepers.” She loved listening to Classic ’80s tunes and never gave up her ‘80s hairstyle. When it came to TV, she liked watching shows like Dexter, CSI, and Law and Order. All of the Rocky movies were her favorites.

Naturally an introvert, Sherry liked to be home. She made a mean chop suey, and her favorite meal was a steak, probably from the Outback or Brann’s. A long-time Coca-Cola fan, she later enjoyed Sonic Cherry Limeade. Ice cream was her favorite sweet, and birthday celebrations for her mom, Heather, and herself always included a Dairy Queen cake. Sherry liked getting together with Heather at Anna’s house for breakfast after Heather moved away in 2008. She also enjoyed going over to Heather’s house and watching the Game Show Network with her. Typically a timid driver, when she got her Ford Edge, she got frequent notifications from her driving app that she was regularly speeding and braking hard.

Though things didn’t always come easily for Sherry, she always persevered. Driven by her determination and hard work, she’d push through life’s difficulties. Despite her struggles, she remained generous and supportive of those she loved. When her nephew Bobby Jr. was having a tough time, she welcomed him into her home, and when he died, she adopted his cat, “Barry.”

Sadly, Sherry died unexpectedly in her home on August 12, and though our days with her were far too few, every moment we shared with Sherry is a gift we will long treasure. As we celebrate Sherry’s life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of generosity, fun, and determination forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, choose faith over fear, cheer on our loved ones’ endeavors, enjoy a day at the beach or in a pool, play the slots, or treat ourselves to an ice cream, we keep her memory alive and inspiring others as she inspired each of us.

Sherry Lee Flak, age 58, of Grand Rapids, went to her Heavenly home on August 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie, and nephews, Bobby Jr. and Drew. Sherry is survived by her daughter, Heather Flak; father, Thomas Flak; siblings, Scott (Betty) Flak, Bob (Angela) Flak, and Becky (Jeff) Barton; and nieces and nephews, Lauryn, Connor, Lindsey, and Alyssa. A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Ennichement in Rosedale Memorial Park. To celebrate Sherry’s life, please submit your favorite memory or photo to her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com