Sherrie L. “Shae” Neal, 49, of Washington, died Monday May 9, 2016, in Shadyside Hospital following a 11 year, 5 month battle with Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer.

She was born in Washington on January 7, 1967, a daughter James R. Crouch, Jr., and the late Carol Whipple Crouch.

Sherrie was a 1984 graduate of Trinity High School and after working a year at both the Meadows Race Track as a teller and Holiday Inn as a night housekeeper to save for her education, she attended and graduated from Bradford School of Business in Pittsburgh.

Her early professional employment included working as controller for several local Washington law firms until joining Centimark Corporation in the payroll department. Within a couple of years she shifted into their National Accounts Division ultimately becoming a Senior Accountant with the company. Her most recent position prior to retirement in October 2015 was that of Internal Auditor. Throughout her working years, she maintained an amazing work ethic. Additionally, she co-owned William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd. with her husband.

For many years prior to her own diagnosis with Cancer, Sherrie volunteered and worked tirelessly to raise money and awareness for cancer-related organizations. She served on the Advisory Board for the American Cancer Society in Washington and was active on several committees including the Daffodil Sales, Annual Golf Events, Fashion Fair and more. Sherrie was Captain of the ACS Relay for Life “ Neal Family “ Team every year since the event began.

Sherrie has been a member of the Washington Kiwanis Club for twenty years and served as a long time Board Member. She participated in the Meals on Wheels program, and many other direct to the public interaction charities and was always kind and giving. Through her company, she was able to participate in the Blessings in a Backpack program in local schools, which she dearly loved. For many years, she would adopt children or even families at Christmas and anonymously provide gifts and food for them. Her main goal in life was to take care of others in any way possible and she never lost sight of what she felt to be her personal responsibility to society.

After seeing how hard it was to get certain Cancer fighting medication, she lobbied in Pennsylvania to help establish a Cancer Drug Repository, which was ultimately signed into law by the Governor several years ago.

Sherrie loved traveling, especially with her daughter, visiting Amish country in Ohio, kayaking on the river near Connellsville, antiquing, attending craft fairs, and scrapbooking.

She is a member of Immaculate Conception Church.

On November 23, 1996, she married Michael P. Neal of Washington, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Courtney, who was the light of her life; a sister Debbie Palm of Washington; a nephew Scott Crouch of Washington; Uncles Fred Chase of Washington, Buddy Whipple of Nashville; her very special Aunt Donna Mae Bryner of Washington; her God-Daughters Mellory Birner and Mellody Birner; and her long-time Best Friend Melody A. DePretis who stood by her through her Cancer battle.

In honor of Sherrie, the family is requesting everyone to contact their legislator and the Governor of Pennsylvania directly and demand an explanation as to why the Cancer Drug Repository was made a law in 2008 yet remains to be enacted.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral homes., Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA 15301.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 14, 2016, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Washington.