Sheryl A. MacDougal

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sheryl A. MacDougal, 74 of Vero Beach, Florida. Sheryl passed away at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach on April 5, 2023, with her loved ones, by her side.

Sheryl was born in Plattsburgh, NY, on August 2, 1948, to June Martin (Donoghue-Squires) and Michael Mastic, Sr. Later adopted by John “Bob” Donoghue, who went on to raise her with June.

Sheryl graduated from Saranac Central High School in Saranac, NY.  She attended North Country Community College, where she completed the Practical Nursing (LPN) program. Continuing her education, Sheryl received her bachelor’s & master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Plattsburgh State University College (SUNY) Plattsburgh, NY.

She worked as a nurse for many years at Horace Nye Nursing Home in Elizabethtown, NY, retiring early, due to an injury on the job.

Sheryl is survived by her best friend of 32 years, Dr. Charles Moisan, MD.  Daughters: Tammy Kelly (Charlie Schilff), Lila Kelly, Lauren (Cody) Hagerman and Heidi Birchmeyer. Siblings: John “Bobby” Donoghue, Beth (Arnie) Pavone, Kevin (Jennifer) Donoghue, Betty Donoghue and brother, Michael Mastic.  Grandchildren: Tyler, Seanna, Michaela, Ayden Wyatt, Carlee, Sophia, Gemma, Skylar, Carmine, and Joliette.  Extended family: several nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and dear friends.

Sheryl was predeceased by her mother: June Donoghue-Squires, her father’s: John “Bob” Donoghue and James Mastic, Sr. and a brother James Mastic, Jr.

In her younger years, Sheryl enjoyed singing in a band, she was an avid runner, even participating in a marathon in NY City. She attended modeling school in NY City and partook in Kellogg’s and Martini and Rossi commercials. She enjoyed running on the beach. She loved her yacht, the “LITAM” named after her two daughters at the time: Lila and Tammy. Sheryl would joke about how she would wave to her neighbors across the canal: Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson, when living in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Sheryl loved the Adirondack Mountains. She spent a lot of time exploring the outdoors, and hunting. She achieved bragging rights while hunting with her companion at the time, Dr. Charles Moisan, after shooting a 9 pt., 245 lbs. buck on Raven Mountain in Lewis, NY. Sheryl also looked forward to her many trips to Maine with Dr. Moisan.

Sheryl enjoyed sitting on her porch, sipping tea, and taking in the smell and beauty of her favorite flowers: lilies, tulips, lilacs, irises, and roses.

Sheryl had a soft spot for dogs. Stray dogs would be seen, showing up at her house in the evening, looking for food. Although she said, “she wasn’t feeding them” with a giggle, we knew better.

Sheryl was a beautiful soul, always wanting to help the homeless and the less fortunate. She couldn’t pass by a homeless person without giving them money or bringing back food and water.

Sheryl’s pride and joy, whom she was most proud of, and lived her life for, up to her dying moment, were her children and grandchildren. Life was all about them. Sheryl, was fortunate to have her youngest daughter Heidi, devoted to her care weeks leading up to her passing and they were able to share very special moments, which included having sleepovers in the hospital and hospice house, late night treats, and deep conversations. These final memories Heidi will hold onto for the rest of her life. Sheryl was overly loved and spoiled even at her final breath, while all her children held her hand as she transitioned into Heavens Gates.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Elizabethtown, NY, followed by burial at her final resting place in the Black River Cemetery in Westport, NY.

Donation ideas: periodic masses for Sheryl, donate in her name to the North Country SPCA, 7700 State Hwy 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 or http://www.ncspca.org/.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.