Sheryl Lynn Baxley Cuffe

Sherri will be remembered as a beacon of warmth, kindness, and genuine compassion. She was a loving wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother and friend.

Sherri was born to Rose and Damon Baxley in Dayton, Ohio. When she was 9, she and her younger sister, Gail moved with the family to Tampa, where she always felt was home.

As a 9th grader, she attended Tampa’s newest school, Robinson High School. She was a member of the first class to complete all four years there where she was a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen and voted “Best All Around” of her senior class.

From high school, she went on to more schooling at Tampa General Hospital and finished a two year program to become an X-ray technologist.

She married and moved to Miami with her first husband, worked at Jackson Memorial and had a baby daughter, Kristi. After her divorce, she was one of the first to be trained in mammography when it was invented in 1968. Through the University of Miami, she received a 3 year grant to teach Mammography to doctors and x-ray techs.

Just two months before the grant was ending, a Radiology Resident from Tampa General came to Miami to take the course she was teaching. Ironically, one morning, she accepted a job back in Tampa as the Director of the TGH X-ray School. That very same day in the afternoon in the class she was teaching, she met TGH Radiology Resident, Dr. Jim Cuffe.

Sherri moved home to Tampa, where her parents lived, dated Jim and they were married in 1971. Upon completion of his residency, he took a job at Lykes Memorial Hospital in Brooksville. In 1974, Jim and Sherri welcomed Jamie to the family. They lived in Brooksville for 32 years.

Sherri was a PTA president for eight years doing “fun stuff’ during the schooling of her children. The students called her “Mama Cuffe” and adored the name (which many still called her throughout her life)!

Throughout her adult life, she acted as the reunion chairman for the first graduating classes from Robinson and considered herself a “Robinson Knight” for life.

Sherri and Jim were huge Disney fans and created many wonderful memories at Walt Disney World with their children, grandchildren and friends.

Throughout her life, Sherri touched the hearts of everyone she met, embodying the spirit of hospitality and friendship. She never met a stranger—her welcoming nature was evident in every smile, every conversation, and every gesture of care. Friends, family, and even casual acquaintances could always count on Sherri to make them feel at home.

Always ready for a gathering, Sherri brought laughter and joy wherever she went. Her vibrant personality lit up any room, and her infectious enthusiasm made every gathering memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying everyday moments, Sherri ensured that those around her felt included, cherished, and uplifted.

As we remember Sherri Lynn Baxley Cuffe, we honor her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion. Her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her, reminding us to embrace life fully and to care deeply for one another. Sherri’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness and warmth.

She will be deeply missed, but forever cherished.

She is survived by her daughters Kristi Cuffe, Jamie Cuffe Kutchinski (Marc), Stepchildren, Laurie Cuffe Kelley, Colleen Cuffe Alvarez (Chris), Craig Cuffe (Jillian) and 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Gail Baxley Buell (Bruce) and 3 nephews, Brett Buell, Brett Glisson (Janice) and Kent Glisson (Miah).

She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her stepson, Mark Cuffe, MD and stepson-in-law, Mike Kelley.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, June 6 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. 7th Ave, Tampa 33605 in Ybor City. All are welcome.

A special thank you to the staff and caregivers at The Beach House/American House of Wesley Chapel for their care over the past three and a half years. Our family is deeply grateful for all of you.

In lieu of flowers please give to the Alzheimer's Association or the Pug Rescue of Florida.