Shernette Rose-Marie Wedderburn (December 13, 1958-January 16, 2022)

Shernette Rose-Marie "Hope" Wedderburn, 63, of New Rochelle, NY died on January 16, 2022. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica, the eldest of three children of Daniel S. Wedderburn and Annie Foster Wedderburn. She is survived by her mother, Annie Foster Wedderburn, brother, Dr. Raymond V Wedderburn, niece, Nubia Damali, an extensive extended family, including her church family, and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her father Daniel S. Wedderburn, and her brother, Rohan O. Wedderburn.

Growing up in Kingston, Shernette attended Calabar Primary School. She subsequently earned a scholarship to Wolmer's High School for Girls. She exceled in school but was not particularly fond of the required physical education classes. She had a happy childhood in Kingston, surrounded by family and friends. A significant part of her time was spent with our church family at the Church of God of Prophecy at High Holborn Street and 36 Maxfield Avenue.

Our family immigrated to the United States in April, 1976 and underwent a relatively smooth transition. The transition to the US was facilitated by the New Rochelle branch of the church, which had a large Caribbean contingent, including friends from Jamaica. Hope attended New Rochelle High School and graduated in 1977. After graduation from high school, Hope worked as a CNA at the Guild for the Blind in Yonkers. While working there, she attended Herbert H Lehman College, initially completing training as an LPN, and subsequently an RN, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Over the course of her nursing career, she worked in multiple institutions in various capacities including as a psychiatric, and intensive care unit nurse.

A devoted daughter, sister, cousin, niece, godmother, and friend, Hope was truly loved by everyone who knew her. She was a quick thinker and had a sharp tongue. She was a voracious reader, and although her international travel was primarily to England and Canada, she was well versed in world affairs. She loved reading, and enjoyed watching mysteries and crime dramas, solving the puzzles before the answers were clear to us mere mortals.

Prior to her recent illness, Hope was home bound. Her ability to see friends and family was further limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. For those of us fortunate enough to be able to interact with her, she remained hopeful and full of life. The availability of remote participation allowed Hope to become an avid church attendee, including active participation in Tuesday night bible study. This contributed to her recently recommitting her life to the Lord. She leaves a void in the hearts of those of us who knew and loved her. She will be sorely missed.