Sharon K. 'Sherry' Szatkowski

7/9/1948 — 8/22/2017

Service Date: 8/26/2017
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Our kind and beautiful mother Sherry passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, in Winchester surrounded by loved ones. She departed exactly as the sun rose, making her way to heaven.

She was born to Abe and Helen Uhlenkott on July 9, 1948, in Cottonwood and was the fourth of nine children.

Our mother graduated in 1966 from St. Gertrude's Academy, where she was a cheerleader and president of the student body. She met and married Ed Martinson in 1967 and they moved to Lewiston, where they welcomed five children: Jeff, Ronni, Scott, Chris and T.J.

In 1986, she married Al Szatkowski and they made their home in Mobile, Ala., and Spokane.

Mom's happiest and proudest achievement was being a mom to her five children. With so much love to give, it was a role she was brilliant at doing. Mom gave us unconditional love and always believed in us and our dreams.

It would be easy to write only about the great things, but that wouldn't be a truthful tribute, as our mother spent most of her life battling mental illness. This battle was a bumpy and painful road at times, but she fought the absolute best that she could. Often smiling through pain, her smile and love were always apparent.

She is survived by children Jeff (Kevin Tran) Martinson, Ronni Henry, Scott (Rebecca) Martinson, Chris (Keri) Martinson, and T.J. (Rebecca) Martinson; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She also is survived by sisters Jan (Jerry) Frei, Kathy (Miles) Berg, Debbie (Doug) Klamper, Pam (Russ) Braun; brothers Dick (Muriel) Uhlenkott, Ron (Dina) Uhlenkott, Terry (Trish) Uhlenkott, and Kenny Remacle; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Al; sister Anita Remacle; and in-laws Terry Knowlton and Debra Uhlenkott.

A funeral Mass to celebrate Sherry's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church with a rosary at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Lakeside Residential Care, 605 Nez Perce Ave., Winchester, ID 83555.

Our mother was also a published poet and we wanted to end this tribute with one of her poems that we feel sums up her loving heart.

A Grandma's Love

"Grandma, do you love me?" She asked me that one day. It was very long ago, I answered in this way:

"Dear little one, there's flour, Upon your precious face, From baking here together, At your grandma's place.

I await these special days, And look so forward to, Your shining eyes - your little hands, To help in all we do.

Did you know the night before that, I can scarcely sleep, Excited that you'll soon be here, And that day mine to keep?

Yes, Honey, Grandma loves you, So very, very much, Let's make cookies always, Or somehow keep in touch."

Service Information

Date & Time: Saturday, August 26, 11:00 AM
Location: Holy Family Catholic Church
1109 Chestnut Street
Clarkston, Washington 99403

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Additional Details: Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m.