Sherry’s connection to York House began with her mother, Audrey (Wilson) Robson’s alumnae tales from the early years of the school. In 1961, as the youngest York House student, she had an auspicious beginning with the chance to unveil the first building block of the Junior School with head girl Victoria (Frost) Vogrin ‘61 and Mr. H. R. MacMillan.
Twelve years later, after playing a vital role on the student council since her arrival in the Senior School, Sherry was elected Head Girl 1972-73 and gained the respect and affection of the YHS community. After graduation, Sherry’s leadership role continued as Alumnae Association President in 1974, a role she would take on two more times as her passion and commitment for York House evolved.
When her daughter Devon started kindergarten in 1989, she became a devoted class parent, spending countless hours volunteering at the school. Sherry contributed in every imaginable way including Alumnae Representative to the Board, Class Parent, Alumnae Class Rep, YHS Foundation trustee, phonathon volunteer, band trip chaperone and more. In 1996, Sherry’s exceptional dedication and Yorkie spirit were recognized when she received the Alumnae Special Achiever award for Community Service. As a special tribute, the alumnae introduced a new award named “The Sherry Robson Taylor Spirit Award,” which is presented each year to a student who emulates Sherry’s enthusiasm, energy, and love of York House.
Sherry’s Yorkie spirit and enthusiasm led her to be the initiator of many firsts. In 1993 she inspired and co-chaired the first ever York Rose Ball and in 1998, it was a highlight of the school’s “Celebrate Sixty” festivities. In 1995 she chaired the first New Parents’ dinner and co-convened the Fall Market (1997-9). After co-chairing the York Rose Ball again in 2002, she became an Honorary member of the Parents’ Association and agreed to chair the ball in 2007 for the school’s 75th birthday.
In 2002, Sherry started a long standing YHS tradition, by hosting a luncheon each year for the grads at the University Women’s Club of Vancouver at Hycroft. Her great-grandmother Dr. Evelyn Farris had founded the club in 1907 along with eight other university women and what a perfect location for the grads to be welcomed into the YHS Alumnae Association.
Always an outstanding example, Sherry constantly modelled the school motto, “Not for Ourselves Alone”, both in the greater community and at York House. During her tenure as President, the Alumnae Association Scholarship, close to Sherry’s heart, was initiated and grew to become a full scholarship in 2006. Sherry also managed the Margaret Barbeau Alumnae Uniform Shop for many years to raise additional funds for the YHS Alumnae Scholarship. Sherry was a founding member of the YHS Legacy Society to ensure the future for Yorkies and generations to come. In 2012, Sherry was awarded Honorary Executive Member of the Alumnae Association for her years of service.
Asked during a 75th birthday interview what made her so passionate about the school, she responded, “The lifelong friendships, the camaraderie, the school’s values and traditions and the confidence it instills in its graduates. I’m really proud of the accomplishments and success of York House alumnae in academic, athletic, and artistic areas and the way Yorkies hold true to the school’s motto Not for Ourselves Alone. I have been so very fortunate to have a relationship with this unbelievable school. My memories are irreplaceable–how lucky am I. Thank you York House.”
After living her life to the absolute fullest, Sherry, a most beloved member of the York House community passed away on April 10, 2018. On Saturday May 5, family, friends, alumnae, YHS parents and staff past and present gathered at York House School to celebrate her amazing life. She will be remembered for her tremendous strength and courage, her welcoming smile, trademark sense humour and fun, golden hearted generosity, and unstoppable spirit. Sherry was never dampened by the challenges that came her way and never allowed her long struggle with Lupus to limit what she could accomplish.
Click here to read Sherry (Robson) Taylor’s obituary.
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