BERLIN: Sherri E. Austin, wonderful mother and grandmother, much-loved sister and daughter, incredible friend, and an amazingly brave and independent woman, died Saturday, July 30th surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Sherri was born Cheryl Elaine Austin, August 12, 1950 in Montpelier to Daniel and Margaret (Minott) Austin. She attended Montpelier schools and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1969. On August 19, 1972 she married Michael Emmons. During their marriage they had a son, Brian Emmons, born in December of 1976. They later divorced. Sherri worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for over 30 years. She enjoyed her work as well as the people she worked with and developed many wonderful friendships over the years. Sherri was a fun loving and active person who had many interests. She enjoyed taking trips with family and friends with the Maine Coast being one of her favorite destinations. Other trips to New Orleans, the US Virgin Islands, and out west inspired her to dream of future travel. Kayaking, gardening in her flower gardens, biking, snowshoeing, walking with friends, motorcycling, and swimming were some of her other many interests. Most of all she adored spending time with her two young granddaughters, Lea and Sylvia, who were her greatest joy. She took any opportunity to spend time with them, delighting in everything about them. An energetic Nana, she was always up for whatever they wanted to do, whether it was taking them for walks, endlessly running around the yard with them pushing them in their toy cars, or running up and down the ramp at the nearby post office with them. Sleepovers at Nana's house were also a much loved event. Sherri leaves behind her son Brian Emmons, his wife Linda, and beloved granddaughters Lea and Sylvia of East Calais; her mother, Margaret Garcia of Montpelier; her siblings, Pamela Smith and her husband Jim of Barre; Terry Austin and his wife Jill Mckeon of Williamstown; Robert Austin and his wife Liz of Los Angeles, California; and Cindy Singleton and her husband David of East Calais; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Daniel Austin. Graveside service will be held Friday Aug. 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Warren Village Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday from 5PM until 7 PM at the Barber & Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Montpelier, VT Contributions in Sherri's memory would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, please visit www.barber-lanier.com.