Sherri A. Lally (Richardson) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones following a brief illness on April 12th, 2023 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Malden, MA, on March 2nd, 1958 to the late John Richardson of Rockton, IL and the late Jacqueline Murphy of Saugus, MA, Sherri was the beloved wife of Joseph “Jay” Lally of Chelsea, MA. Cherished mother to Jarrod Martin, of Boxford, MA, Jennifer Fitzgerald, of Melrose, MA and Samantha D’Amico-Cilira, and her husband Wenderson Alves Cilira of Peabody, MA. Much-loved Stepmother to Joseph Lally and Justin Lally, both of Chelsea, MA. Loving sister to the late Therese Melanson and her husband, the late Vincent of Chelsea, MA, Barbara Oxley and her husband Steven of Lynn, MA, Kelly McKiski and her husband Russell of Roscoe, IL, Thomas Richardson of Medford, MA, Kevin Richardson and his husband Jerry Bragg of Chicago, IL, John Richardson of Rockford, IL, James Richardson and his wife Melody of Grayslake, IL and Patrick Richardson and his wife L’oreal of Malden, MA. Doting grandmother “Nana” to Jacob Martin, Shea Fitzgerald, Devin Martin, Dylan Fitzgerald, Shun Phat, and baby Jordan Cilira on the way. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Sherri was also predeceased by her faithful companion of many years, her cherished Cairn Terrier dog, Rufus. 

Fiercely loyal, stubbornly independent, kindhearted and generous are just a few of the words used to describe the kind of person that Sherri was while she was with us. There was no limit to the lengths she would go for those she loved most – her family and friends – but her greatest pleasure was taken in being a grandmother, doting on her grandchildren and simply watching them grow. She had a soft spot for those in need, and generously donated to every cause and charity that came her way, without fail. 

Sherri was a gifted artist, who’s favorite medium and subject was oil painting roses. She entered numerous art shows over the years and won several awards for her talent. 

Sherri was a devoted employee to Better Comfort Systems in Malden, MA for the last 35 years where she steadily rose in the ranks to ultimately serve as Administrative Officer, overseeing the Human Resources and Finance departments for the whole organization. She will be gravely missed by all her coworkers, but especially by her boss, Company CEO James P. Schiavone Jr., her dear friend and mentor. 

Sherri spent the last 28 summers camping at Exeter Elms Campround in Exeter, NH. Camping was a way for her to relax, unwind and for her family to gather to spend time with one another, and she will be deeply missed by her “camp family” as well. Winters were spent amongst friends at the Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge #642 where she was a proud member. After work you could almost certainly find her at a booth at Floramo’s in Wakefield having dinner with Jay, playing Keno and unwinding with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. However, no place was as special to Sherri as Key West, FL. A frequent visitor over the last fifteen years, Key West was her “happy place”, and it was the place where she and Jay chose to elope and marry on April 30th, 2014.

Sherri had a beautiful soul, one of a kind spirit, twinkling blue eyes that drew you in, and a smile that you couldn’t help but smile back to. Her laugh was infectious and her hugs were like no other. She made friends wherever she went and will be loved and sorely missed by everyone who was blessed with the pleasure of knowing her. 

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in memory of Sherri on April 23rd, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Irish American Club at 177 West Street, Malden, MA. If you wish to honor Sherri’s memory, donations can be made to the American Stroke Association (a division of the American Heart Association) at www.stroke.org