Sherry Panaccione

Sherry Panaccione, 81, passed peacefully on Sunday morning, October 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Bucyrus Community Hospital in Bucyrus, Ohio.

Born Gloria Sherran Meekins on December 2, 1942, in Tampa, Florida, to Thomas Hilton and Gloria (D'Amato) Meekins, Sherry graduated from HB Plant High School, where she was a proud Panther cheerleader. A vibrant entrepreneur, Sherry raised her children with strength and resilience. She owned a beloved women's boutique, "Sherry's," on Davis Island in Tampa, later expanding to Westshore Boulevard. She also founded Manhattan Florist, specializing in weddings and fresh florals, and became a cherished figure in Tampa's wedding community. Active in many organizations, Sherry dedicated time to the Tampa Junior Women's League, Krewe of Venus, The Ronald McDonald House, the Porsche and BMW Clubs, and Women of the Moose.

Years ago, Sherry met Paul Fankhauser, her cherished companion, and they spent their time traveling and enjoying life together. Known for her adventurous spirit, Sherry loved motorcycle rides, tractor pulls, and exploring flea markets and garage sales. She found peace and joy at Pickwick Place in Bucyrus, Ohio, and adored all kinds of animals, especially horses, which she owned in her lifetime. Sherry fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to the countryside with Paul, while spending summers in Ohio and winters in Florida, where she loved time on her boat at her Lake Wales property. She delighted in the simple pleasures of lake life-feeding turtles, watching egrets, and observing rockets from Cape Canaveral.

Her family was her greatest joy. Sherry became a grandmother in 1988 and went on to welcome 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandson on the way in March 2025. She was a proud mother and "Memaw," spreading love, laughter, and warmth. Her vibrant red hair, laughter, and smile will remain treasures to those who loved her. Sherry's legacy of joy lives on through her Christian faith, love for her country, and the memories she created with family and friends.

Sherry is survived by her children: Kimberlee Turcotte (Jeff) of California, Kristen Loring (Brier Grieves) of Tampa, Billy Socher (Mindy), Michael Socher (Denise), and Pepper Haywood (William Slager Jr.). She is remembered by her grandchildren, including Cooper, Jennifer (Brian Gibbons), Tara (Kevin Rooney), Tanner, Rachel (Ryan Vacca), Zach, Sydney (Carter Leslie), Will, Mallary, Megan, Grace, Ruby Rose, and Henry; as well as her great-grandchildren Ty, Brody, Sloane, and Bambi. She leaves behind her cousin Dana Highsmith Stirling, niece Maggie Meekins, and her beloved Paul Fankhauser, his children Jason (Karissa), Michelle (Jon), Kurt, and Jenae (Josh), and his five grandchildren. Sherry's faithful dog, Vernon, was a constant companion.

Sherry was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 27 years, David Panaccione; Willam Socher (father to Pepper, Ricky, Billy & Michael), stepson, Ricky Socher; brother, Buzzy Meekins; and parents, Thomas and Gloria Meekins.

In keeping with Sherry's wishes, her family will hold a private Celebration of Life in Florida in February 2025. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, Ohio. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and photos in her online guestbook.

Toodeloo for now, Sherry.