On December 28, 2001, Sherry Mercieca, who was the Founder and Director of the Huntsville Feminist Chorus, felt better than the previous four days since she felt sick with some kind of a virus. In fact, she spent most of that day talking with her husband about her ideals and dreams of life. She viewed the Huntsville Feminist Chorus, already in operation for nine years, as one of her greatest achievements in life.

Sherry believed that this wonderful chorus of women was serving as an effective instrument to bring peace and joy in the hearts of many, beginning with the singing women themselves. She pointed out that in each presentation there were people who thanked her saying that this chorus has changed their life. She felt convinced that all women could sing beautifully if they feel the interest and the willingness to sing. In fact, she planned that, beginning in January 2002, she would go to spend the weekends in different cities to give workshops to women to help them learn some twelve to sixteen songs and then the group would perform for the public on Sunday.

Sherry spent most of her time preparing beautiful songs for the Huntsville Feminist Chorus, transcribing a variety of tunes so that women could sing them. This highly dedicated and inspiring woman meditated often and periodically chanted mantras with her friends for purpose of generating positive and constructive energy. She planned to continue with this agenda, making it even more intensified during the year 2002. By the following morning she passed away the way she always wanted, namely, peacefully in her sleep without having to go through a prolonged period of illness.

At one time, she compared her peace work with that of her husband’s saying that while her husband’s peace work was promoted through education, her peace work was promoted through music and singing. She was convinced that peace comes from the heart, which she viewed as the seat of joy and happiness. Sherry was convinced that such a chorus was radiating joy and peace in the hearts of many, something that could not be bought with money. This explains why the Huntsville Feminist Chorus performed for the public free of charge. Besides, Sherry revealed great interest in drumming, which is used in some of the songs presented by this feminist group. As everybody knows, Sherry has been an accomplished pianist and an opera singer since she was a teenager. She used her musical talents and singing abilities very well. Although she was merely 51 years of age when she passed away, she led a very active life.

During her last conversation Sherry revealed by her action that as long as she is on planet earth, she had to keep on going onward. Taking a rest, when sick, was not a part of her character and personality. Sherry was thoroughly altruistic, thinking always of others while trying to find ways how she could help them more effectively. We will miss her presence but we will never forget her outstanding love and compassion for others. Her spirit will always remain felt alive with us.

By Charles Mercieca, Ph.D., Sherry’s Husband
President, IAEWP, UN-NGO, Professor Emeritus, AAMU