Sherrill Giacoletto

Sherrill L. Giacoletto, 83, of Traverse City MI, passed away peacefully under the care of Hospice of Michigan with her loyal beloved companion dog, Cody, by her side on Thursday afternoon, March 6, 2025. She was lovingly and respectfully cared for by the wonderful staff at her Grand Traverse Pavilions Cottages home, surrounded by close friend and family when she was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sherry’s vibrant spirit, hearty laugh and smile, her quick wit, spunk and love for church and life will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew and loved her. Her 83 years of life were full and varied in many ways. What she wanted folks to know about her most is the following: In her own words, “Christ is my Lord and Savior. Most of my life was in the church, my life was very different than most families, and I thank God for a good family” Her final wishes were kept, to be at home, have comfort and prayer with those who shared her beliefs and love of church, be provided with prayer and spiritual support from her respected Counselor and friend, Pastor Joel Brown, and her devoted companion, her beloved little dog, Cody, to be with her through the end of her life. Rest in Peace, dear Sherrill. You impacted and touched many lives, and left important impressions on the hearts of many young people over the years. We will hold your memory in our hearts forever. To know her special story and the many facets of her life, you have to go back to the beginning. If you are interested in reading, her special story follows below. On behalf of our late parents, and the entire Pontius Family, we would like to extend our deep and heartfelt thank you’s to any and all who have cared for our sister Sherry over so many years, and across many miles. We are sincerely and forever grateful. We will all miss her very much. Our humble Thank You for being a wonderful part of her life. She is survived by her five siblings and their spouses; brothers Art and Vicki Pontius, Kim and Karen Pontius, David Pontius, Bill and Valerie Pontius, sister Debra Devine (Pontius) nieces and nephews: Wenona (Pontius) and Eddie Perkins, Stephanie Pontius, Jessica and Kyle Kiffner, Jared and Jillian Pontius, William Pontius, Austin Pontius, Logan Devine and several great nieces and nephews. Sherrill was predeceased by her husband, Louis Giacoletto, mother Mary Jane Snider (Pontius) and stepfather, Arthur Pontius Jr., her father, Harry Bowman and stepmother, Helen and all her grandparents. ** A celebration of her life will be held on March 29, 2025 at 2 pm at Bible Baptist Church in Traverse City. All are welcome for fellowship, to share memories and family visitation during the luncheon to follow her service, graciously provided by her church and appreciated by her family. In Sherrill’s Honor, her express requests are preferred memorials to be made to Cherryland Humane Society and Bible Baptist Church. Her remains will be scattered at a later date with her family, at her favorite fishing lake in the UP, near their Lake Linden Michigan farm. Photos are welcome to be added and shared to the RJFH website and will be gratefully appreciated by her family and friends. An extended Celebration story of her life follows. A livestream link for Sherrill’s service will be provided by her church during her 2pm service and available for later viewing if you are unable to attend. Those who may wish to contact the family directly, please call RJFH, to be provided with personal contact information. ** Sherrill (Bowman) Giacoletto Her Story - A Celebration of a Life Well Lived April 22, 1941 - March 6, 2025 She was born on April 22, 1941 in Huntington, IN to the late Harry and Mary Jane (Snider) Bowman. Born the only child of their marriage. She was raised in Huntington and Fort Wayne Indiana during her childhood years. In her very early years, her parents who, among other livelihoods, were also professional entertainers, a specialty act -known as The International Duo, a dance roller skating pair, were invited to join the USO to support the WWII effort. Her Dad, Harry, proudly designed and built Sherry her first pairs of skates. Her parents taught her first to put on wheels. It was often said, she could literally skate before she walked. She was always on the go! Sherry, a young toddler, stayed home to be cared for by her grandparents when her parents were called to serve two tours of duty in Europe and in the Pacific in the early years of WWII. When her folks returned to the US after their duty tours, they continued regionally to showcase their exhibition specialty acts and included young Sherrill in the act, changing the act’s name to Harry, Jerry and Sherry -The Whirlwinds. Occasionally there were stories in local variety newspapers about the specialty roller skating team. It was often said, Sherry stole the show and no one ever minded, especially her folks. She was happy to have her parents at home, go on the road with them and enjoy new adventures. Her folks eventually hung up their showbiz act and Sherry only skated for fun with friends after that. After the war, life returned to normal, the usual childhood events and school experiences, but circumstances changed for her parents and they eventually divorced and went separate ways, but always stayed close and in touch with her dad. And of course, her grandparents. For a time, Sherry and her mother were on their own. Her mother, Mary Jane later met and married Arthur Pontius Jr, when she was 12 years old. (mom’s nickname “Jerry” from her skating days “stuck”) Art and Jerry Pontius had an ever growing family over the span of the next 23 years, Sherrill became the eldest of 6 children - 4 brothers and a sister - Art, Kim, David, Debbie and Bill. The rest of her teen years were spent at home in Fort Wayne. She had a busy family life in school, Girl Scouts, and helping her parents. For the most part, She enjoyed being the “Big Sis” to the growing family of five siblings. Over the years, whenever she called, left a voice message or sent a card, it was always with a greeting of “Hey! It's your “Big Sis” Her interests and skills with a variety of arts, crafting and outside adventures grew, as did her interest and love of animals of every kind during those early years. And now with a big family and big yard to enjoy, there was little reason not to bring some animals home. Sherry was always bringing home stray dogs, a variety of other injured or abandoned wildlife in need of care- Over her years at home she managed to bring home bunnies, chicks, kittens, injured squirrels, and a bird or two. Much to her mother’s dismay, but definitely to the delight of her siblings! Never a dull moment with Sherry at home. A variety of early jobs and deep involvement with Girl Scouts of the Limberlost and leadership roles in her young adult years fostered her love of mentoring youth and knowledge of animal care. Obviously influencing and playing out in her later years in equestrian riding and training, farming, fishing, wildlife rehab and youth ministry. She graduated from Northside High School, Class of 1959 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her religious roots in her very early childhood were with the catholic church, so following graduation, Sherry felt initially called to the Catholic Church at age 19, to become a nun. She joined the Order of The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ of Ancilla Domini College, Donaldson, IN and provided care for the orphanage and mission work of the order until her decision to leave the order nine years later. Her heart was truly smitten with the work she did with the children of the orphanage, and care she was privileged to provide for them. Leaving was a difficult decision, but one that later strongly influenced her faith, her impact on many young people, her personal growth and her eventual transition to the Baptist church many years later. Upon her return to home from the Convent, she bought her very first horse, always a lifelong dream - she fell in love with her beloved mare named Dawn. The beginning of a beautiful history- she became a horsewoman, she loved riding, training, showing and participating in parades and competitive events in Indiana. She was hooked and her life path took a dramatic turn because of her love of horses. In 1970, the Pontius family became owners and managers of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor MI - big challenges and big opportunities began for the family. Trying to revive and improve the Lodge and the resort amenities, dealing with facility issues were numerous. For an inexperienced family from Indiana, learning to just live and survive the hardships and weather of the Upper Peninsula was monumental. But the family adapted, the older boys helped out alongside Sherry, and she thrived on the challenges. When the family took over in 1970, the stables had an uncertain future with the existing horses already there. But a life changing opportunity presented itself for Sherry. And with the help of her mother and stepfather Art, - Sherry was able to properly care for and acquire multiple horses, the beginning of owning and revitalizing the Lodge’s riding stable. Sherry’s lifelong journey with horses which started at the Lodge, contributed to many wonderful lifelong friendships and relationships - and it all began with this small, nearly defunct, stable barn in the harbor. Many good times, hard work and adventures with family and new friends followed. In 1972, when her parents were unable to continue operations of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and moved back to Indiana with the younger children, Sherry, having acquired some freedoms and quickly learning some of the skills of the hardy UP folks, decided to give it a go, and stayed in Michigan with her horses. She had already known her husband-to-be through the stables. She eventually accepted a proposal to marry widower Louis Giacoletto, moved to Lake Linden, MI and joined him on his family’s former potato farm. She remained in the Upper Peninsula for the next 35 years. And proudly, officially was considered a Yooper! Even sounded like a UP native. No more Hoosier jokes about her! She and Louis were married on February 3, 1972, they were together 22 years. She was 30 years old, Louis was 59. Louis passed October 7th, 1994, at 81 years old. They were a force of nature, respected, admired and loved by many folks. Sherry and Louis were hard at work owning and operating a large woods and farm through many hay and winter wheat seasons facing the extremes of the Upper Peninsula together. All the while, Sherry was caring for many farm animals, horses, growing and operating all aspects of the well respected and 2nd largest boarding and horseback riding stables in the state, the Keweenaw Stables, Lake Linden Michigan. They were dedicated to each other, the farm, to community, church, family and friends throughout the area. With the help of many farm folks nearby, the good people of the Calumet/Lake Linden area, their farm prospered over the next 35 years. Success and prosperity came about through all seasons, but especially over the summers, largely due to her team of devoted farm hands, - many, many Michigan Tech students and a few Pontius family members farm hands routinely spent their summers helping out caring for horses and stable duties, running trail rides and working alongside Sherry and Louis, sweating the farm duties and haying seasons over many hot UP summers. She mentored and influenced many youth through her work at the stables and farm. Though Louis and Sherry never had their own children, she derived great satisfaction taking others under her wing, teaching them and encouraging them about their potential through church groups & outings, bible studies and crafts, their farmwork, 4-H, going fishing, working with wildlife rehab, caring, boarding, training, breaking horses and teaching kids to ride. Sherry rode horses of all kinds and very well, but she was also a different thrill seeker - a Speed junkie! She had fun owning and driving every conceivable type of fast wheels she could get her hands on - Dirt bikes, four-wheelers, motorcycles and trucks - she had them all! And she loved sharing her adventure rides with anyone who dared to accept her invitation to “go with her on a little spin”! Everyone who worked with them looked forward to the “good feeling” payoff of hard work, farm life freedom and had fun participating in many local parades and events over the years too- there truly was never a dull moment with her. Sherry had spunk and energy, a terrific sense of humor, quick wit, and was a prankster as well, to which many of her friends and family can attest. More than once, she sent all the kids who visited or worked with her snipe hunting at the farm! Or she would tape down the lever on their kitchen sink sprayer so we would get an unexpected soaking blast in the face! She and Louis both enjoyed a hearty laugh from these pranks! As the years passed after her husband’s death in 1994, she continued to take care of the farm and riding stables. Enjoying it always- but the hard years of farm and stable work took their toll physically. Despite her many challenging surgeries and health issues- the ups and downs of life, and lean seasons, she stayed very strong, very independent and persevered through adversity with her faith in Christ, many supportive friends, summer visits from her Indiana family and regular interaction with many UP young people to talk with and share stories - all were holding her up. Many years earlier she felt called to join Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay and thrived there- loving many wonderful times spent with her beloved church family in the UP. When possible, she branched out in her personal Christian outreach to join a few mission trips to Mexico, women’s outreach retreats at Mackinac Island, conference events and the like. She often talked about the good times spent there at Bethany Baptist Church, how thankful she was for all the folks she knew there and how hard it was to leave the UP because of her church being there. In addition to still running and caring for the farm and to help make ends meet, there was a period of time she worked for the Michigan school system, doing a variety of jobs within the Lake Linden school system. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the students and staff, school activities, working with the townsfolks, meeting the students each year and driving the buses for them. But most notable and enjoyable was her volunteer work when she took up Clowning for Christ - an outreach ministry. She enjoyed participating for several years, learning all she could, about perfecting the art of clowning, tricks, pranks, makeup and magic. She truly loved it. Hers were some very big shoes to fill. Sherrill was so proud of winning the distinguished honor of Volunteer of the Year 2000 for Michigan’s Home Nursing & Hospice -Calumet, Mi. She made many visits to nursing homes, hundreds of balloon animals and magic tricks for kids later— even in her last years she still had her clown costumes and props. Her clown makeup was always ready to go! She always said bringing those kinds of smiles and happiness to someone’s day was one of the greatest highlights and privileges of her life. There were many hunter friends who would visit her and hunt on the farm land, students who returned to visit her, now grown with their own families. And her Indiana siblings who also made many sojourns to visit Sherry and Louis to share in the experiences of the farm with their own children - Sherry liked to introduce all of the siblings, nieces and nephews as “the city kids”. and chuckled over our obvious embarrassment. (yes, most of us could still ride and proved it to her!) In the late 2000’s there were a few last visit trips to the farm from family and our mother, now in her 80’s and also widowed, enjoying our special trips to reunite as the years caught up with the two of them and traveling was harder on both. Knowing the winters and travel would become harder, Sherry made the decision to sell their beloved farm in Lake Linden. Generations of many families and happy memories were made there. Eventually the farm was sold and Sherry moved to Traverse City in June 2009. She left the peacefulness of the Lake Linden farm, her furry companion family and her Yooper friends and wonderful Baptist church family. It was difficult but necessary. She eventually bought a home in the TC / Chums Corner area and adopted her beloved companions, brother and sister mini-labradoodle puppies, Cody and Shawnee. They were just what she needed, her own special little family and always by her side. Shawnee passed away, unfortunately at two years old. Cody was never out of her sight after that. He went everywhere with her and Cody was graciously, lovingly cared for by a great many friends and neighbors whenever Sherry had to go to the hospital or rehab for lengthy stays. She was often seen buzzing around her neighborhood or the TC trails on her Jazzy, her motorized wheelchair, with Cody trotting alongside for their daily “walks” - stopping to chat with neighbors or new friends they met on the trails! A few more critters joined her menagerie when she first moved to Traverse City. Over time it was obvious, she just couldn’t help it. Cats, bunnies, birds…always dogs around. She often said, “I guess you can take me off of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of me!” She eventually found a new church home and many new, wonderful friends when she became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in TC. Many wonderful relationships followed in those years and her faith grew stronger and more devout. She eventually transferred to Bible Baptist Church and loved going to Bible study, thoroughly enjoying discussions, the weekly Sunday sermons and hymns, the genuine fellowship and again being with the youth whenever possible. She kept a young attitude, despite her physical challenges. Always looking for an opportunity to have fun, she looked forward to sharing a meal out on the town, a good margarita or a few good laughs. For a time, she volunteered at Peace Ranch Riding Stables in the Traverse City area, enjoying it very much and the ability to use her horse skills and knowledge and to pass it on to others. She enjoyed the company of new friends there very much. Missing the farm, but this helped. Sherry was always busy working on a project, even when her health and physical abilities changed -she would adapt and overcome, finding ways to continue enjoying woodworking, furniture making, fishing, leather working, many unique crafts, like hand painted Ukrainian eggs, painting and drawing as well. Sherry had many talents and enjoyed sharing what she learned or the project she was working on next. Many surgeries, health and mobility challenges later, it was apparent it was time to move once again. She eventually moved into Grand Traverse Pavilions - The Cottages Hawthorne Independent Living in September 2023. Along with her beloved dog and faithful companion, Cody -now 15 years old - her mini Labradoodle, he’s still cute as ever! They both quickly became a favorite of staff and other residents. Cody, of course, taking most of the spotlight, Sherry did not mind it. She enjoyed the activities and community outings sponsored by the Pavilions. She made many wonderful friends, both staff and fellow residents. We were told by many, that she always seemed to look forward to seeing each one of them, had a good word of encouragement or smile to share with them, even if she wasn't having a great day herself. She made many friends of staff at the Munson hospital as well, many who would also later come to visit her after returning to The Cottages. The wonderful family of The Cottages staff and management became her primary family here in Traverse City. Her Bible Baptist church family as well. That’s the way she liked it. Her Indiana family would visit when life and schedules permitted. But she really relied on her Hawthorne Cottages family and the church. Times were good and she was fortunate to have chosen to move to The Grand Traverse Pavilions in 2023. Sherrill really loved living at Hawthorne Cottage. She made many good connections, and memories there, many special friends and close special relationships, with both residents and staff. According to many, she has been an especially interesting, respected and loved resident there and will be missed very much. The past couple of years she spent a great deal of time in weekly visits and loving care of the Munson Dialysis Center team. This was her much anticipated social time, not routine or boring, it was more like going to a “special Social club" for her. Sherry enjoyed being with the people there so much, always praised them and appreciated their company. The Dialysis team was her lifeline to having a better quality of life during her last few years. The staff and other clients there made such a difference in her days. They were so patient and good to her. As anticipated for the past 2 -3 years, her health issues finally took a toll on her spunkiness and in late February 2025, she knew she had given the best in life that she could, Sherry knew she had many good years to be thankful for. Just a few days short of her passing, she just decided it was time to let God call her home. She’d led a very full and varied life of 83 years, giving it her full measure of effort. The respectful loving care of the Hospice of Michigan staff, their comfort care plan for her, their personal devotion, prayers and grace allowed her to be at peace with her final days. Rest in Peace, dear Sherrill. You impacted and touched many lives, and left important impressions on the hearts of many young people over the years. We will hold your memory in our hearts forever. A Special Acknowledgment The Hawthorne Cottages staff must be gratefully and humbly acknowledged for continually lovingly and devotedly taking care of Sherry, and of Cody in her hospital absences. They have always gone above and beyond to make her return home as welcoming and easy as possible. They truly cared about her as they would their own family. They all are greatly appreciated by her Indiana family for making her years and days here so much happier and better. She will be missed by many, remembered fondly and appreciated by many for being a good and faithful servant to her Lord. A special “paw note” - Cody will be missed very much by residents and staff as well, but was graciously and lovingly adopted into a special new Forever family, who will deeply care for him through his senior years, and spoil him just as rotten as Sherry and everyone else always did! Family Thank You On behalf of our late parents, and the entire Pontius Family, we would like to extend our deep and heartfelt thank you’s to any and all who have cared for our sister Sherry over so many years, and across many miles. We are sincerely and forever grateful. We will all miss her very much. Our humble Thank You for being a wonderful part of her life. She is survived by her five siblings and their spouses; brothers Art and Vicki Pontius, Kim and Karen Pontius, David Pontius, Bill and Valerie Pontius, sister Debra Devine (Pontius) nieces and nephews: Wenona (Pontius) and Eddie Perkins, Stephanie Pontius, Jessica and Kyle Kiffner, Jared and Jillian Pontius, William Pontius, Austin Pontius, Logan Devine and several great nieces and nephews. Sherrill was predeceased by her husband, Louis Giacoletto, mother Mary Jane Snider (Pontius) and stepfather, Arthur Pontius Jr., her father, Harry Bowman, stepmother, Helen, her brother in law Brian and all her grandparents. The End