Sheri Ope Funeral and Medical Expenses

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sheri Ope. Sheri passed away in her sleep on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Sheri was a daughter, sister, mother and friend. She is survived by her three children, Roman (5), Nikolai (7), and Kaia (8).

We have been blindsided by the loss of our sweet Sheri.

Sheri had recently celebrated her 34th birthday last month on January 26th. Her life will be remembered as one that was cut short. Her laugh and the joy she brought to our lives will be missed dearly. In the midst of navigating through the emotional stress, pain and grieving that death brings, the Ope family is also faced with the financial burden that a passing of a loved one often brings. Our main concern is for her three young children as they are too young to even begin to comprehend a lifelong journey without their mother. Her biggest accomplishment to date is her children.

Sheri was brought into this world by her Ukrainian mother (Ludmila) and Nigerian father (Wasiu) on January 26, 1990 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Sheri immigrated to America with her mother, father and two younger brothers, Alex and Nikita, in the early 2000s in hopes of living the American dream. She attended Northview Middle School and Osseo Senior High School. She created fond memories and established long term friendships that will live on beyond her passing. One of her favorite school memories was learning English from her favorite teacher, Mr. Wood, who taught ESL.

Before passing, Sheri shared with loved ones that, "her most joyful/favorite parts of her life were when she was pregnant and giving birth". She prided herself in being a ''natural caregiver'' while working as a CNA.

No one can ever be prepared for the loss of a loved one, whether it be expected or unexpected. However, what is for certain is that at some point death and grief will teach each and every one of us lessons we will never forget. Cherish the moments we spend together because no one truly knows when it will be our last. Death does not discriminate against your race, gender, age, or religion. This is one of the most disheartening experiences that has awoken us to the fragility of life. Fleeting time and prioritizing your loved ones is the most important part of our existence. The small disagreements and family drama is nothing but small stuff because when things like this happen, nothing matters more than our wellbeing and loving one another during this short-lived time together.

People far and near come together to help one another make it through times like this as "it takes a village". We created this GoFundMe on behalf of Sheri's three children and immediate family to raise funds for funeral expenses, medical bills and college fund for her 3 children. We know that we have a long journey ahead of us and that this memorial is only the first of many steps we will take in remembering Sheri's life. We feel blessed to be a part of it. Any support you may be able to provide both monetarily and thoughts & prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advanced for your love, kindness, well wishes and empathy.

We love you Sheri and you will forever live through each of us.