Helen L. Sherring

March 14, 1940 - September 29, 2021

GENEVA - Helen L. Sherring, 81, of Geneva, died Wednesday, September 29, 2021 after a hard fought battle with an aggressive cancer. She passed away in her home surrounded by family. Helen was born in Parkersburg, WV on March 14, 1940 to Guy and Madeline Shinn. She attended West Virginia University on a full trumpet scholarship and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music Theory. On June 18, 1961 she married the love of her life William R. Sherring in Parkersburg, WV. Together they moved to Geneva, NY where Helen became a beloved music teacher at North Street School. Helen will be remembered for her love of music. She was a gifted trumpet player, sitting first chair in WVU’s orchestra which was unheard of for a woman at the time. She will also be remembered for her development of the Chorus known as the “Music Makers”. She loved her students dearly and went above and beyond to help them in any way. Helen was also a local piano teacher, volunteer at multiple animal shelters, and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Throughout her life she had a deep love for all animals, particularly her cats and their dynamic personalities. She was a beacon of strength and support for her family and will never be forgotten. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, William R. Sherring; her father, Guy K. Shinn; her mother, Madeline Shinn Shaffer; her brother, Gene K. Shinn, and her many treasured pets. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn M. Ortiz of Geneva; her son, William M. Sherring of California; her grandson, Ryan L. Ortiz of California; her granddaughters, Krista E. Ortiz of Texas and Madilyn C. Sherring of California; her nephews, Stephen and James Brady and her niece, Amy White. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 24 Park Place, Geneva, NY. The Rev. Colin Pritchard will officiate. This will be followed by a lantern send off on the platform dock outside of the Geneva Welcome Center. Despite her battle with cancer, Helen always remained kind and “West Virginia Strong” until the bitter end.