Diane Y. Sherrer of 57 Cayuga St., Trumansburg, New York died on May 23, 2009
after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Ithaca on May 3, 1951, Diane
was the daughter of the late Lloyd Malcolm Sherrer and the late Edith Mahoney
Sherrer.
Diane Y. Sherrer of 57 Cayuga St., Trumansburg, New York died on May 23, 2009
after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Ithaca on May 3, 1951, Diane
was the daughter of the late Lloyd Malcolm Sherrer and the late Edith Mahoney
Sherrer.
Diane received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and her Master of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Sports from Cortland State College. While at Cortland State, she played on the women’s volleyball and badminton teams. Diane was also a nationally certified track and field coach.
Encouraged by Jim Hartshorne and Helen MacDonald to join the Finger Lakes Runners Club, Diane became a member in 1976. For the next 33 years, she dedicated her life to the sport of running. She was an active member of the Finger Lakes Runners Club and served as a Board member for more than 22 years. She ran hundreds of races, worked as a race director for many others, and edited the Finger Lakes Runners Club Newsletter for 19 years. When she wasn’t running, directing, writing, or legislating, Diane helped a countless number of runners improve on the sport that gave them happiness.
Diane wrote weekly running columns for “The Elmira Star Gazette” and “The Ithaca Journal”. She also wrote articles for “Runners Gazette”, “Ultra Running Magazine” and “National Masters News”. In 1997, Diane received an Outstanding Club Member Award from “Runner’s World” magazine.
Known everywhere she went as a tireless spokesperson for runners, Diane was the ultimate competitor, who offered others encouragement and motivation. She was a strong advocate for equality in prize distribution between men and women – having grown up in the pre-Title Nine era. She pushed and challenged others to do more than they ever thought they could accomplish and her spirit and legacy will remain in the hearts of all she touched.
A memorial mass will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street in Trumansburg, with Father John Tokaz OFM, Cap. as celebrant. A reception will follow at Ron Dons on the Green at the Trumansburg Golf Club, located at 23 Halsey Street in Trumansburg.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in Diane’s memory are asked to consider the SPCA of Tompkins County at 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Ulysses Philomathic Library at 74 E. Main St., Trumansburg, NY 14886.