Sherrill Ann McOuatt (née Lumb) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Victoria, BC, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, creativity, and quiet courage. Sherri was born on September 9, 1945, in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, to Howard and Myrtle Lumb. She grew up surrounded by prairie skies and close family ties with her brother, Ron, and a lively circle of cousins who helped shape her love of stories, laughter, and connection. Those early years instilled in her a strong moral compass, a deep sense of empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for learning. She was guided by the core values of her parents: hard-working, independent, dependable, trustworthy, loyal, and always available for family and friends.
After graduating high school, Sherri attended Teacher’s College in Regina. In 1968, she married Gordon (Gord) James McOuatt in Assiniboia, and together they built a life in Calgary. Gord and Sherri were devoted to each other and shared an active life of hiking, followed their interests in arts and music, enjoyed their dogs and cats, and participated in the lives of their nieces, nephew, and extended families.
With Sherri’s passion for learning, Sherri returned to school in 1978 and earned her Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. From 1981 to 1997, Sherri worked in the petroleum industry at Dome/Amoco on business systems projects, developing database requirements and strategies. Her strong analytical skills, business acumen, and clear identification with business needs contributed to the success of her projects.
After Gord passed away far too early in 1996, Sherri took time to adjust to life on her own and began new ventures. After retiring from the petroleum industry, she spent a couple of years working as a contractor at CP Rail on business systems projects, taking time to thoughtfully shape a new chapter of her life as she learned to move forward without Gord.
Sherri’s first bold move was becoming an entrepreneur, purchasing a coffee shop near Calgary’s SAIT. As owner and operator, she thrived in the vibrant atmosphere, delighting in the energy of her young staff and loyal clientele. Her brother, Ron, loved to pass along “Lessons Learned” from his time as a small business owner, having once owned a Dairy Queen. These shared stories and conversations deepened their connection and drew them closer together.
Several years later, Sherri fully retired and purchased a new home in Calgary. She courageously took on projects to finish the basement, redecorate, and relandscape the yard. She performed all the construction work on her own and developed new skills in design, construction and plumbing. Gardening became another way Sherri expressed herself, thoughtfully choosing flowers and trees that transformed her yard into a place of beauty and care. She was industrious, creative and motivated as she expanded the function of her home and increased its property value.
Sherri’s passion for learning enticed her to return to university, taking courses that opened the door to extraordinary travel experiences. Alongside classmates and her cousin, Barb, Sherri explored Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Grand Cayman Islands. She spoke fondly of Morocco and Istanbul, two places that captured her imagination and reflected her love of culture, art, and history. Mexico was a favourite vacation spot where Sherri embraced the culture and learned Spanish. She always found time for domestic travel as well, visiting her relatives across Canada and in California.
In 2014, Sherri fulfilled a lifelong dream that she and Gord had shared, retiring to Victoria, BC. She formed meaningful friendships through the Newcomers Club and among her neighbours on Fairfield Road, embracing the warmth, culture, and community of West Coast life.
Music and the arts were lifelong companions to Sherri. She sang in choirs, played the piano, and curated an extensive CD collection that reflected her wide-ranging musical tastes. She also held a deep appreciation for visual arts and theatre, finding joy and meaning in creative expression. She had a love for photography and thoughtfully created photo albums, preserving memories of her travels and the moments that mattered most to her.
Throughout her adult life, she was rarely without the companionship of her beloved “fur babies” including cats and dogs that were each cherished as family.
Sherri was endlessly curious, always researching a topic that captured her interest. Her family heritage held a special place in her heart as she devoted countless hours to tracing the Graham/Lumb history, later entrusting this work to her niece, Jalene.
Sherri also devoted considerable time and research to learning about healthy eating and overall wellness. From seeking out fresh organic foods at farmers’ markets to carefully reading and understanding nutrition labels to thoughtfully preparing her meals, she always placed her health and well-being at the forefront.
Sherri will be remembered as a gentle soul: a loyal and trusted friend, deeply compassionate, unfailingly kind and a strong role model for her nieces and nephew. She loved a good story or a humorous tale, and her infectious laugh could light up a room. Sherri was admired for her integrity, devotion, warmth, and genuine care and empathy for others.
Sherrill is lovingly remembered by her nieces Jalene Lumb, Shantel Lumb, Heather McOuatt, nephew, Kevin Hastings), sister-in-law, Bonnie Hastings, brother-in-law, Larry McOuatt (Janet), several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and many dear friends. Sherrill was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Myrtle Lumb; her brother, Ronald Lumb (Lavonne); her husband, Gordon McOuatt; and her niece, Cali Hastings.
We are deeply grateful to the staff at The Heights at Mt. View in Victoria for their dedicated care of Sherri this past year and to Sherri’s BC friends for their steadfast support and kindness over the years.
Those wishing to honour Sherri may consider donating to the BC SPCA or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at a later time.
Please contact CelebratingSherri@yahoo.com for details.
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