In loving memory of
Sheryl Lynn Rice

• February 12, 1959
• -
• May 23, 2025

• Share

Sheryl Lynn Rice, 66, of Cape Coral, Florida died in Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida on May 23, 2025, after an extended battle with cancer.  Sheryl was born to David William Rice and Margaret Ann McGuigan in Chicopee, Massachusetts, on February 12, 1959.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents.  Sheryl is deeply missed by her husband, Robert (“Bob”) Sczurek, daughter, Dr. Nicole Nichols, son-in-law, Darren Hussein, granddaughter, Teegan Nichols, and puppies, Rocko and Rollo.  Sheryl is also survived by her three siblings and their spouses, Lisa (Rice) and Harry Hulsey, Steve (“StevieD”) and Connie Rice, and James Rice; five nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, including Maggie, Kate and Will Hulsey; Brian (and Shanna, Ella, Alex and Julie) Rice; and Jeff (and Cheryl and Wilbur) Rice.  Sheryl is also survived by her extended family, including her Aunt Carol (McBride), Aunt Betty (Bernardi), as well as her Rice and McGuigan cousins, her “bonus sister” Marie Landis and the Cabin Crew, and her many beloved friends.

Sheryl attended Jersey Shore High School in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, then quickly high-tailed it with Terri Rainey, her life-long best friend, to Florida and its sunny beaches. She loved the publishing business and cherished friendships she formed while working for 29 years as a graphic artist for the Cape Coral Breeze.

Sheryl will be remembered for her kindness, intellect, quick and biting wit, good humor and unyielding zest for life.  Sheryl was a touchstone and home-base, who always reached out to friends and family to assist with an issue or to lend a kind ear to someone who appeared to need a little help.  Sheryl took care of her friends and others, regularly inviting those who might not otherwise have a place at a table to her holiday parties and other gatherings.  Sheryl enjoyed supporting and being supported by her loving husband and fantastic cook, Bob, with whom she shared 44 years of adventures together.  Sheryl was so very proud of her daughter Nicole, who after earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine, opened her own veterinary clinic and surgical center.  Sheryl was also extraordinarily proud of her granddaughter Teegan and her academic and sports achievements.  And, of course, Sheryl adored that “da[rn]” Darren, her entrepreneurial son-in-law who always said he “knew a guy” when quickly resolving any issue, large or small.  Sheryl was passionate about life, be it travel, live (preferably outdoor) concerts, football, spending time with family and friends, and just having a good time.  Who else do you know who would celebrate her 50th birthday by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and skydiving to the tune of Free Fallin’ – to the awe of friends and family “grounded” below on Planet Earth waving handwritten signs grading Sheryl’s jump and glide (notably with “10s” on a 10-point scale)?  Who else do you know who would invite nieces and nephews to visit for a couple weeks each Summer to check out the work being done by family members in Cape Coral and to hang out with their Aunt Sheryl and other family members?  Less than a month before her death, Sheryl organized a kayak trip along the Orange River and happily paddled the river with Bob, Nicki, James and cousins Lynn Bernardi and Harold Baldus for what was to be her last journey into the wilds of Florida.  We who traveled with Sheryl just cannot imagine our future adventures without Sheryl.

There will be a private memorial ceremony for Sheryl in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in late July.  In lieu of flowers, Sheryl’s family suggests that contributions may be made in Sheryl’s memory to the charity of your choice.

You may wish to leave Sheryl’s family a condolence or memory, or to upload your favorite photographs of Sheryl on this website by clicking on the photo icon on the website.