Sherry Lea Carpenter Magner

Sherry Lea Carpenter Magner

September 18, 1947 – April 18, 2023

Sherry Lea Carpenter Magner, age 75, a life-long resident of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18th surrounded by her family.  Visitation and Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 28th at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler’s West Center Chapel.  VISITATION will be held from 3-5pm with a SERVICE and sharing starting at 5pm.  Open reception will be held at Beacon Hills in Aksarben Village.   The private family interment will be at Forest Lawn at a later date.  Online tribute Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Sherry was born in Omaha, NE on September 18, 1947 to Quinton and Virgina Carpenter.  She was the big sister to sisters Kay and Kim and her brother, Bruce.  Sherry was a graduate of Benson High School where she met her husband Roger Magner and enjoyed her lifelong friends, fondly self-named the Benson Bunnies after their alma mater.

In 1967, Sherry married Roger and with Roger’s recent enlistment in the Navy, they moved to Guam for a period of time.  Sherry often recounted the size and number of bugs she was constantly trying to fend off.  They started a family in the midst of these  uncertain times, with their first child, Chris, born in 1969 while Roger was away in Vietnam.  Sherry and Chris lived with her parents until his return.  In 1972, they welcomed their second son, Todd.

Sherry was able to stay at home in the early years with her boys.  She provided all the attention and love that kids desire, and then some.  She was on the PTO, helped with Cub Scouts and attended and supported sports and all the various interests and ideas that her boys could come up with.  She was proud of the men they grew to become and supported all of their endeavors in adulthood.

As time went on, she leaned into her long and rewarding career, at Papillion LaVista (Monarchs) High School.  The students loved her and she received many accolades over the years for her work in the Scholarship office.  She earned Secretary of the year in 2000 for her work in obtaining over 420 scholarships for students totaling $3 million.  Her important work continued and that number grew until her retirement in 2010.

The love and pride Sherry felt for her boys compounded with the arrival of each of her three grandchildren, Tessa, Maya and Logan.  She was at the center of their world and frequently enjoyed doing anything and everything the kids’ desired.

Sherry’s passion was centered around family and friends. She spent many years enjoying weekends with the family at Hansen Lake, occasional camping trips and later consistent bigger trips, traveling to more tropical locations with her sisters and friends.  An early trip to St. Thomas was always a standout because it was one of the first times experiencing that next level luxury and beauty and she always enjoyed sharing those stories.  She cherished weekends and Holidays with family and never wanted to miss the yearly ladies trip to Kansas City for Holiday Mart shopping.

Sherry had a smile and way about her that would always light up a room.  She had an easy laugh, was loving, positive, compassionate, generous and cared deeply for others.  She was this way throughout her entire life.  She captured the hearts of everyone at Cedarhurst Assisted Living and the family is eternally grateful for the wonderful team’s consistent, loving care.

Sherry is preceded in death by her parents, Quinton and Virginia Carpenter, her husband Roger Magner, Brother-in-law, Butch Menard, Sister-in-law, Barbara Magner.  She is survived by her son Chris Magner; son Todd Magner (Michele, whom she loved like a daughter); her grandchildren Tessa, Maya and Logan; sisters Kim Zersen (Bill) and Kay Menard, brother Bruce Carpenter (Anna Marie), and brother-in-law Jerry Magner (Linda Acquazzino); nieces; nephews; other loving family and friends.

Sherry was a longtime supporter of the Arts Department at Papillion-LaVista Monarchs High School so the family will be making a donation to the school in her name.  Online tribute Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

6 Comments

  • Susan Schnase Posted April 22, 2023 2:28 pm

    We are so very sorry for the loss of this amazing mother and grandmother. A beautiful tribute to her-really nice.

  • Jeanne Robbins Harrington Posted April 23, 2023 7:46 am

    To the Carpenter and Magner families,
    I’m so sad to read of Sherry’s death. My siblings and I grew up in the Mount View School neighborhood; I knew Sherry and Kay Ann as friends, classmates, and neighborhood pals, all the way through Benson High. I’ll always remember Sherry with fondness, especially her big smile and her friendliness. Rest in peace, Sherry, and Roger. Love to the Carpenter and Magner families.

  • Shari Loftis Posted April 23, 2023 12:27 pm

    I took care of Sherry at Meriwether. She got a place in my heart . She had the best dismeanor , big smile. She has great family . You will be missed. RIP. Sherry ✝️✝️🙏🥰. We love you

  • Nancy Tesnohlidek Posted April 23, 2023 2:00 pm

    My deepest condolences to all who loved Sherry, especially my friends Michele and Todd. The few times our paths crossed at their home I thoroughly enjoyed her company.

  • Ben Root Posted April 24, 2023 7:14 am

    I haven’t seen Sherry for quite a while but I can hear her laugh like it was yesterday. Very sorry for Chris and Todd’s loss. My condolences.

  • Susie Pleggenkuhle Posted April 25, 2023 9:32 am

    We’ve been best friends for 35 years and it is hard to say goodbye. Her family was her pride and joy and I send my sympathy. Rest in peace Sherry.

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