Obituary of Sheryl Elaine Tree

Sheryl Tree passed peacefully, entering into eternal life to be with her loyal canine companion, Mikey, who is now rejoicing with her arrival at the Rainbow Bridge, on September 10, 2021. She was 70 years old.

Born in Hempstead, NY, to the late Edward W. and Helen Goodman Tree, she lived in Freeport, NY, for 18 years before moving to Mendham, NJ, in 1969.

Sheryl was the recipient of the 1966 Duryea Orchard Award for Special Achievement and graduated from Freeport High School in 1969. She attended County College of Morris.

She volunteered at the Morris View Nursing Home from1972-1984.  She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Brookside Engine Company from 1972 to 1984 and served as its president from 1983 to 1984. She was a volunteer on the Morristown Ambulance Squad from 1982 to 1987. Sheryl was the first female firefighter in Mendham Borough in 1987 and was Assistant Truck Captain and Pump Operator and she was also the first female to hold the Line Office for the First Aid Squad.

Sheryl attended the Morris County Police and Fire Academy from 1994 to 2000, was the first female to join the Brookside Engine Company #1 in 1999, and taught Fire Education with Sparky in the local schools. In 2007, she was honored as Fireman of the Year for Brookside Engine Company. From 1995 to 2007, she answered Santa Claus letters for the Brookside Post Office. She was elected to “Who’s Who” in American Women in 2008.

Sheryl retired in 2001 due to lupus, but continued to do volunteer work from home by knitting hats, scarves and blankets for the needy.  She made and donated over 5,000 items.

She enjoyed her flower gardens that attracted many birds, butterflies, chipmunks, and bunny visitors. Sheryl also enjoyed decorating for the holidays for all to enjoy, listening to her favorite music, making baked goods for her many friends, and movie nights with her special friend.

Sheryl is survived by her brother Wes (Carol) Tree of West Salem, OH, niece Alyson (Scott) Young and their daughter Aedwyn of Reddick, FL, and many good friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 16, from 10 AM to 12 PM at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Rd, Mendham, immediately followed by interment at Hilltop Cemetery, Mendham.