Sheri Lyn Kawamoto

June 3, 1956 - November 17, 2019

Sheri Kawamoto was born June 3, 1956 in Omaha, Nebraska to John and Pauline (Graham) Kawamoto. Sheri grew up in Omaha, where she attended Belvedere Elementary School, McMillan Junior High School, and graduated from Omaha North High School in 1974. Following high school, Sheri went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1978. Growing up, Sheri loved to ride her bike, played the violin, was a life guard at High Point Pool, and enjoyed watching Star Trek on TV. Sheri made her home in Omaha, and worked for 25 years as a Public Safety Officer for Creighton University. When she was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a neurological disease that she fought for over 30 years, Sheri retired from Creighton and received an award in recognition of her many years of service. Sheri will be remembered as a loving, courageous, opinionated, caring, and giving woman. Despite her struggles, she never had a “woe is me” attitude. She was a movie buff, who loved Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, and she had planned to continue a family tradition of seeing a blockbuster movie over the holidays. She was a music fan, especially of the Moody Blues. She enjoyed dinner out at the Olive Garden, or spaghetti anytime, and appreciated a good root beer float. In her younger years, Sheri would attend the motorcycle rally at Sturgis, South Dakota with friends. Her biggest pet peeve was taking other people’s advice. Her favorite flowers were roses and carnations, and she loved caring for her cats. Sheri’s presence was intertwined with everyone in her family. She had a knack for giving unique and personal gifts to everyone, especially at Christmas. Sheri had knowledge about a significant number of things, and she was always willing to share it! And there was the continuing saga of “the cute one” and “the smart one” between Sheri and her mom. Sheri will be missed for her kindness, for always putting others first, for her love of family, especially of her niece, nephews, and grandnieces, and for always making sure she told you, "I love you." Sheri passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 63 years, 5 months, and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her father John Kawamoto and sister Kimi Kawamoto. Sheri is survived by her mother Pauline of Omaha, sisters: Kathy (Brian) Cowles of Omaha and Judy Kawamoto of West Chester, PA, brother Jim (Susan) Kawamoto of Omaha, niece and nephews: Andrew Cowles; David (Lindsey) Cowles, Ginger Cowles; and Timothy, Jacob, Elizabeth and Michael Kawamoto; great nieces: Nola and Scarlett Cowles; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Memorial service 11 AM Saturday, First Presbyterian Church, 216 S. 34th St. Omaha. Visitation Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. Private interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations to Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation (a foundation for NMO research) or First Presbyterian Church.