Obituary of Sherrill Diane Shear

Sherrill Diane Shear, 79, formerly of Fairport, New York, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 in Conway, South Carolina.

Born on December 31, 1946 in Fairport, New York Sherrill was the fourth of five children born to Raymond and Margaret Shear.  She grew up alongside her siblings, Lynne, Marshall, Doug, and Pamela, and carried a lifelong love for family and friendship. 

Sherrill was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. 

She dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse beginning her career at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, where she worked with terminally ill children in Pediatric Oncology.  Over the course of her 34-year nursing career, she continued serving patients in Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina across a variety of nursing specialties.

After settling in South Carolina, Sherrill continued her commitment to helping others through volunteer service as a Guardian ad Litem, serving as a court appointed representative to advocate for children involved in cases of abuse and neglect.

Throughout her life, Sherrill selflessly cared for patients, families, and children, earning the admiration and gratitude of many who affectionately referred to her as their “guardian angel.”  She often said that caring for children gave her the greatest joy and sense of purpose.

A woman of deep faith, Sherrill faced and overcame breast cancer twice. Her faith sustained her through those challenges, and she remained a dedicated supporter of breast cancer research throughout her life.

Sherrill will be remembered for her joyful spirit, generous heart, and unconditional love for family and friends. She was a lifelong dog lover who found happiness in traveling and cruising, cooking and baking, gardening, reading, crafting, and spending time with friends. She especially loved the holiday season, delighting in decorating her home and giving thoughtful gifts to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Margaret Shear, her siblings, Lynne, Marshall, and Doug, and her husband Ronald Singer.

Sherrill is survived by her son, David, and his wife, Dina, and their children, Walter, Victoria, and Raymond; her son, Darren, and his wife, Cristina, and their children, Alexandra and Isabella; her daughter, Melissa; and her sister, Pamela.

Sherrill’s Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 3, 2026, 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 70 E. Main Street, Victor, New York 14564. A reception will follow at a seperate venue. Interment private.

For those wishing to honor her lifelong legacy of child advocacy, memorial contributions can be made directly to the Horry County Guardian ad Litem Program (1201 Third Avenue, Suite B, Conway, SC 29526) or online to the statewide partner network via the Children's Trust of South Carolina.

Her kindness and unwavering dedication to helping others will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.  She will be greatly missed.