Sherri Morr

Sherri Morr, aged 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles on June 7 following a courageous journey with dementia.

Sherri was born on May 13, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland. She spent most of her childhood years in Norfolk, Virginia and graduated from Granby High School in Norfolk in 1963. A graduate of California State University, Northridge, Sherri earned a Master of Arts Degree in Non-Profit Management from Hebrew Union College in 1977 and received an Honorary Doctorate from Hebrew Union College in 2005.

Sherri dedicated her life to making a difference and serving others. Sherri quickly became an avid, spirited, energized and successful fundraiser for numerous organizations, including multiple Jewish and Israel-focused organizations. Sherri spent 12 years directing the Jewish National Fund’s (JNF’s) outreach and fundraising in the western United States. She led multiple trips to Israel, and her absolute highlight was leading trips with celebrities and JNF major donors, including Hal Linden and William Shatner. She cherished sharing with others her passion for Israel, democracy, the environment, and the arts.

In addition to JNF, Sherri also worked for the American Society for the University of Haifa, the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 826 Valencia, Jewish Women’s Theater (now called the Braid), Hillel, and American Technion Society.

Outside of the Jewish community, Sherri led fundraising for the Baltimore Symphony, Park School of Baltimore, Oakwood School in North Hollywood, and Tufts University. Sherri managed capital fundraising programs, which led to new buildings, new departments, arts programs, curriculum advancements centered around social justice, and access to private schooling for families with low-to-moderate incomes.

In retirement, Sherri was active in Chai Village LA, where she led new membership drives. She was a dedicated member of IKAR, where she participated in book groups and greeting committees. Sherri was also a published creative writer. Her book, 75 and Fabulous: Reflections, shared her journey through COVID with complex (and funny) storylines about her life, values, and beliefs, offering readers insights about the value of community, and of course the importance of wearing nice shoes and funky eyeglasses (seriously!).

Sherri loved spending time with her family, including trips to Palm Springs for Mother’s Day, time at the beach and pool, and supporting her children and grandchildren’s interests. She will be deeply missed by her eclectic and diverse family, who counted on her for inspiration, creativity, and wisdom. Sherri’s family remains inspired by her gentle spirit, creative energy, and thirst for new experiences and connections. She had a remarkable blend of zest, joy, and immense thanks for the scores of generous people that she met throughout her journey.

Sherri is survived by her husband Paul Verger and sons Jesse Bernstein (Dylan Rassier), Noah Saul Bernstein (Rachel Bernstein), Jay Weiner (Ellie Laks), sister Arlene Morrison, her grandchildren Ava Robyn Bernstein, Jacob David Bernstein, Cheyanne Weiner, Molli Weiner-Etherton (Erik Etherton), Jesse Callahan (Lauren Callahan), and great-grandchildren Colton and Miles Etherton and Oakley Callahan, as well as many cousins, and close friends.