BELFAST – I, Sherrie Lee (Bishop) Wright of Belfast, died June 30, 2004, and am now breathing freely after living with cystic fibrosis all my life. I was born Oct. 27, 1960, in Biddeford, to Rose Hickling and King Bishop. I attended school during my early years in South Portland, and later moved to Presque Isle where I was raised by my loving mother and stepfather, Mickey Cropley. I graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1979 and completed my nursing studies at Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in 1980 to become a licensed practical nurse. I was married in 1980 while still in Presque Isle, and although we didn’t stay together, he always held a special place in my heart and I had many fond memories of our time together. My first nursing job was at The Aroostook Medical Center, where I worked for three years with surgical-orthopedic patients. I enjoyed the challenge and providing hands-on care. I moved to Belfast in 1984 to live closer to my only sibling, King Bishop and his wife, Mary. Within a few years my mother and Mickey joined us to live on the coast. I worked as the night charge nurse at Bradbury Manor Nursing Home for four years, and then worked in the office of a local physician. Later I returned to Bradbury as an evening charge nurse, retiring in 1995 so I could focus on my own healthcare and pursue some of my personal interests while still enjoying good health. I loved dance, traveling, music, photography, and to be with friends and family. I became our family historian, tracing our ancestors’ back many generations. I taught myself how to use the computer and became an avid researcher, in the process communicating with people all over the world. I dabbled in design work to help my friends. Flowers were a passion of mine, and I enjoyed planting them and watching them thrive while sitting on my deck on summer evenings with a nice glass of wine and some blues in the background. I was predeceased by my beloved mother, Rose, in June 2000. We shared a special bond that transcended the ordinary, and she gave me the most perfect and profound love I have ever experienced. My stepfather, Mickey died shortly after my mother. He was a father to me in every sense of the word, and raised me as his own. I also lost my beloved grandfather, Franklin Hickling of New Brunswick in 2003. My father, King Bishop died March 2004. I am survived by my brother, King his wife, Mary, and their sons, King and Steven. Their kindness and support allowed me to live a fuller and more independent life. I’ve enjoyed watching my nephews grow and find their own paths. I am also survived by my grandmother, Iva Hickling; my uncle, Frank Hickling and his wife, Karen; my aunt, Nancy Holder and her husband, Graham. I have also been blessed with many close friends, Michael a truly caring and thoughtful friend, who fed me, laughed with me, cried with me; Archie who carried more oxygen than any guy with a good set of lungs should have to, and who was always willing to give a hand; Jane my soul sister, who has one of the purest spirits I’ve ever had the privilege to know, her very presence was a healing balm; Beth, whom I loved for our early boisterous years, which evolved into a deep and mature friendship; my friend Wilma, who filled my life with music and was always there when I needed her; and Gary who always honored our friendship through the passage of time. There are many not mentioned here who were significant parts of my life, and I love you all for what we shared. I was blessed with two feline companions, Kiska and Lilly, who were with me through thick and thin, their presence brought me much joy. Someone, I know not who, said “life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” My biggest lesson in life was learning that your relationships with others are what really matter. In the end it’s the only thing that’s significant, the rest is just distraction. Go out and create moments to take your breath away with those you love and those you’ve yet to meet. At my request there will be no funeral. My ashes will be commingled with my mother’s and spread upon the waters. Donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Attn. Communications Dept., 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. Or print online donations forms at www.cff.org. Love, Sherrie.
SHERRIE LEE WRIGHT
