Sharon R. Beerman

Sharon R. Beerman, 87 of Cortland, died on May 16, 2022. 

She was born on April 8, 1935, in Cortland, the daughter of William Riley and Teresa Comerford Riley.  Her early childhood was spent in Truxton where she experienced family farm life.  She attended Truxton Central School graduating in 1953.  She continued her education at Nazareth College in Rochester, majoring in Social Work.  In the summer of 1956, she sailed to Europe with her classmates.  She graduated Nazareth College in 1957.

Her first employment was for the City of Cortland Youth Bureau.  On May 31, 1958, she married Andrew (Tony) Beerman.  They made East Homer their home for 55 years.  While there, she was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. 

Following the birth of two of her children, she returned to work for the Cortland School District.  In 1973, she was hired by Homer Central Schools.  Her final position was the Cortland County Department of Social Services.  In 2007, she retired with 30 years of services. 

She was an active member of St. Margaret’s Church in Homer.  She served on the Parish Council, Human Development Committee, and Funeral Committee.  She also served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.  Following retirement, she volunteered at the Brewster House and Cortland Repertory Theatre.  Prior to Tony’s death, they enjoyed many activities together including skiing at Labrador Mountain and camping.  She played bridge on a weekly basis with her friends and that brought her great pleasure. 

Sharon’s passion in life was to teach her children to be happy and successful; to treat their friends with kindness and to love and serve their God. 

She is survived by four children; William (Beth), South Portland ME, Joseph (Franzisca), Vienna Austria, Peter (Susan), South Kent, CT, and Teresa (Rob), Southport CT, seven grandchildren, Katherine, Patrick, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Gillian, Max, Charlotte, and four great children, Theo, Charlie, Bridger, and Isla, brother-in-law; Dick Henry, several nieces, nephews, endless cousins, and her close friend Dick Kennedy.   

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, 14 Copeland Ave., Homer.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Zareski. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cortland.

In remembrance of Sharon’s, any charitable donations be made to St. Margaret’s Church or Cortland YWCA. 

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