Sherry Kirschner Berz died on March 6 at the age of 74 from complications following a stroke. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, David, her sons Douglas and Alexander; her sister, Marilyn Kirschner (Charles Weintraub); her brother- and sister-in-law, Neal and Linda Berz, and their children Sarah, Micaela and Charlie. She was the cherished daughter of the late Herman and Toby Kirschner, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia and Poland respectively, settling in New York in the late 1930s.
A gifted artist, devoted family member and dedicated community volunteer, Sherry’s life was marked by creativity and an enduring commitment to making the world more beautiful. Born and raised in New York City, Sherry pursued her artistic talent early, attending the High School of Music and Art. She continued this pursuit at the Museum of Modern Art and the Corcoran School in Washington, D.C. While studying at the Corcoran, she earned her bachelor and master of arts in speech pathology and audiology from the George Washington University, where she was awarded a fellowship for her graduate studies. Sherry’s artwork was featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries throughout the Washington, D.C., area, and is included in private collections and in publications. Her passion for art extended beyond her personal work — for over 20 years she was a docent at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum where she shared her love and knowledge of art with countless visitors.
An avid tennis player, golfer and New York Yankees fan, Sherry was known to prioritize watching major sporting events uninterrupted. She was dedicated to her synagogue, Washington Hebrew Congregation, where she served on the arts committee and participated in the redesign and renovation of the main sanctuary, among other contributions. Sherry’s commitment to her community extended to leadership roles on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (now Breakthrough T1D) and as President of the American Friends of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Israel.
Her vibrant spirit, artistic talent and profound love for family, friends and community will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: Breakthrough T1D, American Jewish Committee (Trans-Atlantic Institute), The Berz Family Lech Lecha Fund at the Washington Hebrew Congregation or a charity of your choice.