CapeCodToday Obituaries

Sherry Rae Kochka of Brewster, dies at 52

Native Cape Codder, served as church greeter, Sunday school teacher

Sherry Rae Kochka, 52 passed away on July 11, 2011.  Sherry was born in Hyannis, MA to Donald Kochka, Sr., and Mary Ann (Salles), both of Brewster, MA.   Sherry graduated from Nauset Regional High School in 1977; she worked at Marshalls in Dennis for over 10 years.  She was very involved with her church, Grace Chapel Assembly of God, in Wellfleet, MA; where she served as a greeter and a Sunday School Teacher. 

She will be remembered for her warm and inviting smile.

Besides her parents, she is survived by her sisters: Cyndi Collar and Denise Jones and her brother, Donald Kochka, Jr.; nieces, Brianna, Michaela and Ketryn and her nephew Nicholas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to The Masonic Angel Foundation Inc., Box 1389, Orleans, MA 02653.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Chapel, Rte 6 Wellfleet, MA on July 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA, 508-255-0259.

Drunk driver takes the life of 16-year-old Jack McClelland Pearsall of East Falmouth

Teen's life cut short after being  struck by drunk driver

"More than the average teenage boy or even most grown men"

   Photos courtesy of the Pearsall family.

Jack McClelland Pearsall, 16, passed away tragically at Massachusetts General Hospital on July 4 due to injuries he sustained after being hit by a drunk driver after leaving the Mashpee fireworks display.

In his too-short life Jack was able to take on many roles and be many things, more than the average teenage boy or even most grown men. Of course, he was a soccer aficionado, player, teammate, coach, and referee and touched many lives through his enthusiasm for the sport that everyone loved watching him so passionately and fearlessly play since he was four. He was also a farmer, a fisherman, a landscaper, a salesman, a comedian, a mechanic, a carpenter, a sailor, an engineer, and the list goes on. Above all, “Rabbit” was a twin brother, a little brother, a son, a cousin, a nephew, a grandson, a soon-to-be-brother-in-law, and a friend who will always be missed and thought of fondly for his incredible sense of humor, big heart, “that” dimpled smile and his ability to make anyone smile, and his willingness to live life courageously and without any fear. His life ended just as bravely.

Jack is now with his Pop and Papa Ted and many other amazing family and friends up in Heaven. But here he sadly leaves behind his parents, Kelly and Alvah Pearsall; oldest brother, Alvah, Jr.; older sister, Samantha; twin brother, Charlie; soon-to-be-brother-in-law, Mike Mueller; two grandmothers, Joyce Wiltse and Ada Pearsall; his aunt, Lori Conboy and her husband Mike; his cousins, Michael and Jonathan Conboy; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The Pearsall family sincerely thanks all the first responders from the Mashpee Fire and Rescue Department, Mashpee Police Department, Boston MedFlight, and the countless wonderful, compassionate physicians, nurses, and staff at MGH who worked tirelessly for Jack.

A celebration of Jack’s life will take place Friday, July 15 at 5 pm at Trotting Park, one of his very favorite places to be. All are welcome. A memorial fund has been set up through the Falmouth Soccer Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jack Pearsall Memorial Fund, 26 Paddock Circle, East Falmouth, MA 02536.