Sheryl Denise Benesch

SHERYL DENISE BENESCH, youngest child of Leonard and Marian Benesch, born Sept 3, 1958 in Culver City, CA, passed away August 3, 2014 in Petaluma, CA, surrounded by many of the people who loved her. Sheryl was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2012, but continued to live an extraordinary life, right up to the end. She accepted her condition, but never let it define her, and she maintained her wonderful sense of humor as she checked off items on her bucket list. Sheryl was a light that shined brightly upon the world, and on every life she touched. Exceptionally sharp and naturally curious, Sheryl faced every endeavor she undertook with enthusiasm. She moved to Sonoma County at 18 and immediately enrolled at SRJC, with an interest in biology. At the same time, she was learning to cook at River's End Restaurant, under the tutelage of Chef Wolfgang Gramatski. After working for Wolfgang for several years, Sheryl was offered the position of Executive Chef at Korbel Winery in 1984. She eventually took a leave from cooking to satisfy the desire to travel. During the ensuing years, Sheryl developed her innate talent for PhotoShop and worked for a time at both Unruh's and The Lab, restoring and transforming many a treasured photograph. In 1995, 15 years ahead of the food truck craze, Sheryl helped design, develop and operate Run Around Brew, a popular and successful espresso truck that she co-owned with friends. In 2003, Sheryl satisfied a lifelong dream by enrolling in flight school at North Coast Aviation. With determination and excellent training by her "Captain", Brian Benner, she got her pilot's license in 2004. Sheryl had many talents, but her finest gift was the gift of friendship, and she nurtured and maintained hers religiously. She was the first to volunteer to cook at parties, and she never let time slip between her and the people she loved. She will be missed by so many. Sheryl is survived by her devoted siblings, brother Paul (Trish) Benesch, sister Shelly Livaudais, cherished nephews Matthew (the son she would have wished for) and his lovely wife LeighAnn Benesch, Michael (Kaci) Interlicchia, David Livaudais, and nieces Casey Benesch and Megan Benesch, loving cousins Alicia and David Abels, Terry, Trudi, Michael and Adam Pressman. Also Janis Vaile. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved brother Marc Benesch. Sheryl was unofficially adopted into the extended family of the three Oliva sisters, and she was adored by all: Aedan, her best friend of 33 years, and the man Sheryl fixed her up with 32 years ago, husband Michael Haworth, their daughter, Willow Roy, who considered Sheryl a second mother, her husband Shawn, and their daughters, Keely and Siena. Dione, (only 6 weeks apart in age) and her husband Peter Rochelle, who both shared Sheryl's love of live music and her zest for life, their daughters Jordan and Lily Medeiros, both of whom Sheryl was honored to welcome into the world from the delivery room, and Hannah Rochelle. Maureen and Paul Nelson, who opened their hearts and home to Sheryl in the last three years of her life, made her dream of returning to Italy a reality, and took such loving care of her, their daughter Ashley (Adam) Levy, whose wedding Sheryl was determined to attend, and did, just two weeks prior to her death, and son Benjamin, who generously shared his wing of the house with Sheryl. As the 4th sister, the Jewish Italian one, Sheryl was at the center of every family gathering and holiday tradition, often in the kitchen, and she never gave up hope of one day having a meal on the table, hot, before 10 pm. A memorial and celebration of Sheryl's life will take place on Saturday, August 23, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St. Sebastopol from 12-3. Please join us in toasting our dear Sheshie as she embarks on her next adventure. Our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Fan Zhang, the Kaiser oncology dept. and infusion center staff who took such good care of our girl. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Home Hospice. Contact for more information: [email protected] Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma.