Sheryl Kurzawski

Sheryl Ann Hayes Kurzawski received her angel wings on January 19th, 2024 at Catawba Memorial Hospital in Hickory, NC. She was born to William and Flossye Hayes in Palm Beach, Florida on August 4, 1950.

Sheryl loved to be with family and friends, and in her earlier years, she was up for pretty much any type of adventure. These included going to see her sisters in Florida and the Virgin Islands, attending family reunions in Kentucky, experiencing nature (and cold) in Minnesota, watching the local races at the track, visiting friends at the Senior Center, and spending evenings playing bingo. Sheryl loved it all.

Sheryl lived in several states during her lifetime. While residing in Arizona, Sheryl was busy blazing trails and positively impacting the lives of others. While working for the city of Phoenix, she decided to further her knowledge base by taking courses at the Academy of Drafting and Mesa Community College. As if her plate was not full enough already, while attending Mesa Community College, she also played on their co-ed wheelchair basketball team and served as Evening Student Government President for the academic year of 1983-1984.

Sheryl continued to inspire those around her. Sheryl enjoyed hunting for Apache Tears, which are black, glass-like rocks. To find the perfect place to mine these rocks, one must hike up large, rock- embedded terrain. Despite the physical difficulty of this endeavor, Sheryl was always leading the pack, using her crutches to maneuver through the rough terrain, never once slowing down or contemplating if she could do it.

One of the most amazing things Sheryl accomplished in her life was to start a Girl Scout troop for “challenged” young girls. As a polio survivor, Sheryl knew firsthand how it felt to not be included in various activities or organizations. She wanted to provide a safe and inclusive environment for these girls, share her experiences, and help teach them life skills. But most of all, she wanted to give them a sense of belonging, encouragement, and inspiration. Sheryl was a born leader and a “woman before her time.”

Sheryl moved from Arizona to North Carolina where she could be closer to family. This is where she made a home and raised her children. Sheryl spent many hours supporting her kids' extracurricular activities, cheering from the sidelines, and beaming with pride for every milestone or accomplishment they achieved. She loved warm summer evenings when there were plenty of activities to participate in - from cookouts and festivals to her beloved “dirt track” races and bingo. She could always be found be-bopping and singing along to the street music and bands at various events.

Sheryl is preceded in death by her parents, William and Flossye; and her daughter, Pamela. She is survived by her daughters: Heather (Mason Franklin) Kurzawski and Laura (Byron) Rock; her grandchildren - Bailey and Benjamin Rock, Jersey Cloer, and Noah Franklin; her sisters - Sharon Abel, Brenda Pegram, Joy (Frank) Adams and Jill (Peter) Corvinus, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her long-time friend Pete Rein.

A gathering of friends will be held on February 10, 2024, from 2 – 4 pm at Cambridge Place Clubhouse, 315 Thornburg Dr. NE, in Conover NC.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Kurzawski family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.