Sherry McErlean Kiger
Sherry McErlean Kiger of East Hampton died at Southampton Hospital on Monday, August 22. She was 65.
Born on August 19, 1946, to Lawrence and Jane McErlean (nèe Fithian), her East Hampton roots go back for generations. She married Roy A. Kiger in 1965 at the East Hampton Methodist Church and traveled the world as an Air Force wife. They raised two sons, Kevin and Jeffrey.
Ms. Kiger was a very active member of the East Hampton community. She spent numerous years on the East Hampton Community Council always anticipating and filling the needs of others. Throughout her sons’ lives she was at every school event, and as a class mother she coordinated and supervised many outings and adventures over the years.
She was a mentor and friend to many in town and was always willing to listen and show her support.
“Her impact on the lives of young people cannot be underestimated,” her son Jeffrey Kiger said. “The care she showed remained with people throughout their lives.” Her sons’ East Hampton High School classmates were all treated like family, and her compassion seemed endless and her smile was contagious.
After her son Jeff enlisted in the Marines, Ms. Kiger took in many boarders, Augustine, Rubin, Evelle, Jose and others who became part of her family. She loved nothing more than cooking for “her boys.” She even traveled to Mexico to meet their extended families. For the past two years Ms. Kiger also served on the Board of Deacons of the East Hampton First Presbyterian Church. Even while fighting Lyme disease, she always sought ways to help others.
Ms. Kiger’s granddaughter, Savannah, was the light of her life, family said. She was a very proud grandma and always mentioned Savannah in all her conversations.
According to her family, she was a true pillar of the community and will be remembered for always serving others: cooking, listening, and giving her time and energy.
“There is not a kid who attended school between 1975 and 1991 who was not impacted by her generosity,” Mr. Kiger said.
In addition to her son and granddaughter, she is survived by two brothers, Bruce of East Hampton and Lawrence of Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her son Kevin.
A memorial service was held at the East Hampton Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 27. A graveside service followed at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton.
Memorial donations can be made to the East Hampton Community Council, (631) 329-2051, and the Kendall Madison Scholarship Fund, 67A Main Street, Suite 2, East Hampton, NY 11937.
on Sep 6, 2011