Sheryl Leigh Szakmeister

Sheryl Leigh Szakmeister, 69, of Akron, OH passed away on May 3rd, 2026. She was born May 20th, 1956 in Graham, NC to Amandy Leona Moose and Otis Lee Buchanan, and grew up in the area surrounded by family. Some of her fondest memories were the time she spent with her Grandma Rudd — learning to crochet at her side, a skill she carried with her the rest of her life. In 1974, she graduated from Lexington Senior High School and enlisted in the Air Force shortly after.

Her first assignment was at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ, where she met the love of her life, John Szakmeister. They met on their very first day of processing — Sheryl asked John for a ride back to the dorms, and their friendship grew from there. They met for meals in the chow hall, took trips around town, and went camping with friends. For John, she was an answer to a prayer: someone who enjoyed him for exactly who he was, and whose energy and enthusiasm filled his life with joy. With orders on the horizon and only six months behind them, they married on New Year's Day, 1976, and life's wonderful roller coaster began. Over fifty years of marriage, they complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses, and their commitment, trust, and love for one another only deepened with time.

Together they raised two sons, John and Jeremy. Sheryl left the military to be home with them, pouring herself into creating a warm and loving place to grow up. She was the kind of mother who showed up — for the big moments and the ordinary ones — and her faith, quietly but sincerely held, grounded her in how she loved her family and moved through the world.

Music was a constant in her life. She learned to play piano from her mother, first by ear, and later learned to read sheet music — eventually wearing down the keys of a beloved electronic keyboard. She was an avid reader across a wide range of genres, from romance novels to fantasy. And she kept up her crocheting, later bonding with her sister Nancy over stitches, patterns, and the finer points of the craft.

But more than anything, Sheryl loved people. She befriended everyone, and her favorite pastime was simply learning about whoever was in front of her—where they came from, what was going on in their lives, how they were doing. She had a gift for remembering those stories too, and a habit of following up, checking in, making people feel seen. Those who knew her well knew she had a big heart and meant it. She could find humor in almost anything, and she was fiercely protective of the people she loved. When someone needed help, she was the first to rally the family around them.

Sheryl will be sorely missed, especially her infectious laugh, generous spirit, and the love and warmth she brought anywhere she went. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love, joy, kindness, fierceness, and humor that were the essence of her being.

Sheryl is survived by her husband, John; her sons, John and Jeremy; her daughter-in-law, Jeanne; her grandson, Andrew; and her siblings, Vicky, Nancy, and Lee. Predeceased by her parents, and her granddaughter, Hazel.

Family will receive friends at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Friday, May 15th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., when the funeral service will begin. To leave a special message for Sheryl's family, please visit the guest book below.

To view the service virtually, please click here.