Sharon Young Murphy died peacefully on April 15, surrounded by her family. She was 74.

Sherry was born on March 19, 1947, in Providence, R.I. to Helen and Howard Young. She grew up in numerous places including New York, Europe, Connecticut, and eventually Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in 1968.

In February 1976 she married Terence Murphy. They met while both were working for Delta Airlines. After living in the Florida Keys for several years, they designed and built their dream home in Great Guana Cay the Bahamas. After his death, she bought a second home in Cape Coral, Fla.

Sherry spent every summer on Martha’s Vineyard where she learned to sail and found her love of the ocean. She was passionate about the environment and animal rights. She was known for her kind and compassionate spirit and love of travel.

She met her long-time companion Bill, in Key West. Their first date was a day of sailing on his boat when he discovered she was a better sailor than he was.

She is survived by Bill; her brother Jeff; sister Candy; nieces Lindsay and Courtney; step-daughter Karen; granddaughter Meghan; her favorite niece Patty; and several cousins.

Her ashes will be spread over the ocean in front of her summer home on the Vineyard where her parents’ ashes were spread as well.

Donations can be made to either the Vineyard Conservation Society (vineyardconservation.org), P.O. Box 2189, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or the Glioblastoma Research Organization (gbmresearch.org).