Sherry Sailer, well know during the 1960's as a principal actress at Pioneer Memorial Theatre died after a short battle with cancer.
She started her show business career when in her teens in Pennsylvania as a church soloist and stage entertainer. During World War II she joined a USO overseas unit and entertained troops for 8 months in the South Pacific. After the war she married her childhood sweetheart R.G. Sailer, who was employed by Hercules Inc., and they were transferred about the country for Hercules.Shortly after their marriage their son Richard S. Sailer was born. At each new location Sherry would get involved in both the local theatre and the local church choir (as director). During a stint in New Jersey Sherry acted in both Little Theatre and Summer Stock. She was the leading actress at the Dover Little Theatre, Dover New Jersey, rated as one of the leading Little Theatre's in the country. She played major roles with many "stars" while in New Jersey Summer Stock. When located in the East Bay of San Francisco she continued her acting career and also did professional modeling. In addition, she performed T.V. and Radio commercials.
When transferred to Salt Lake City in the early 60's she continued her acting career at Pioneer Memorial Theatre. She performed many leading roles under the direction and management of Robert Hyde Wilson, C. Lowell Lees, Byron McGrath and Keith Engar. She also was the hostess for the talk show "Scope 5" at Channel 5 during this same period. In addition, she did T.V. commercials and at one time was "Your Safeway Neighbor".
When transferred to Wilmington Delaware, Sherry turned to producing films and commercials in Philadelphia. During this time she produced the "Corporate Image Film" for Hercules Inc., which was shown internationally. She also produced "Specials" with such stars as Sonny & Cher, Phyllis Diller, Emmy Lou Harris and Mike Douglas among others.
When returning home to Salt Lake City in 1978 she combined commercial and voice-over work with her volunteer activities.
Sherry was a member of Actors Equity, AFTRA and Screen Actors Guild and was immediate past President of Screen Actors Guild. She was active in volunteer working during this period of time. She was on the Board of Trustees of Sarah Daft Home, the Women's Board at Westminster College, and served on various committees of the American Red Cross and Arthritis Foundation as well as others. Especially rewarding was her work with the mentally ill women in the Provo State Hospital. Her favorite volunteer role was loving and caring for her husband and son. She is survived by them and one brother Edward A. Armstrong, Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Memorial Services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Saturday, March 2nd, at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society.
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