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Sherri Ann Rich, 61, of Mooresville, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11th 2024 with her loving family at her side. She was born April 26th, 1962 in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late Edward and Marilyn Hopkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Hopkins. Sherri was known as a force. She was often described by others as the strongest woman they knew, or the funniest woman they knew, and often a combination of both. With her quick sense of humor, she lived with a sense of light-heartedness that kept those around her laughing. The first in her family to go to college, she attended the University of South Florida graduating with a bachelor's in Business Management in 1983. She climbed the corporate business ladder in Tampa working as a software engineer before transitioning to working from home as a data tester to raise her kids. During her 30-year tenure as a data tester, she was known fondly by her co-workers as a dedicated leader and sharp mind who was the asset to any team. She is also remembered as a supportive friend, an example of professionalism, and for her ability to add humor to any situation. Speaking of humor, Sherri was known as someone who could get you to laugh until you had tears in your eyes. She had a quick sense of humor that could make anyone laugh, even in tough situations. She was also a world-class prankster. Her family calls to mind the time she snuck rice into her best friend's bed on the night of her wedding, or the time she put fake blood on her arms to prank the oncology nurses. Anyone that was lucky enough to know Sherri has a memory where they laughed harder than ever before. Her kindness radiated through all she met. She had a true sense of thoughtfulness that made those around her always feel loved. She was a committed friend who would truly give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. Among her love of people, she loved nature, the North Carolina mountains, and planting flowers in her garden (the best yard in the neighborhood!). She also loved a very chocolatey dessert, a glass of red wine, and her dog, Daisy. Most important to Sherri was her family. Raising her kids was the most important thing in her life, and her love for them was known by all. She was an incredible mother, one who devoted her life to her children and found a real joy in watching them grow up. She will be remembered by her children as a confidant, a true friend, and someone that always knew the answer to everything. To be raised by her was to know a love so fierce and unconditional. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022, she fought in the face of all odds and defied expectations. Her blazing strength came from her commitment and love for her family, whom she fought for every day. She leaves an incredible legacy of unconditional love and inner strength that is cherished and imparted on those who loved her. She is survived by her husband Craig Rich; son Tyler Rich and wife, Savannah; daughter Sara Rich; brother Michael Hopkins and wife Kimberly; a host of nieces, nephews, great friends, along with her beloved dog, Daisy. A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the Mooresville Novant chemotherapy nurses and physicians, Carolina BioOncology nurses and physicians, and Charlotte Novant hospice nurses. Your kindness, compassion, and hope you provided for Sherri and her family during her battle will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Lustgarten Foundation, or the American Cancer Society. A recipient of blood transfusions many times during her treatment, blood donations can also be given in her honor to the American Red Cross. It is hard to do Sherri's spirit justice within these words, but we take solace in knowing she lives on in the hearts of those she knew and loved. She will never be truly gone.

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Sherri Ann Rich

April 26, 1962 - January 11, 2024