Sherrell “Sherry” Bingham Downes, a woman of profound intellectual strength, elegant grace, and unwavering devotion to her family, passed away leaving a legacy of warmth, laughter, and sharp wit.

Born in New York City on April Fools’ Day in 1941 to Jonathan and June Bingham, Sherry’s early life was shaped by the dynamic world of politics. Because of her father’s political career, her family relocated frequently, never spending more than five years in one place. Amidst this peripatetic childhood, Sherry emerged as a deeply responsible, talented, and fiercely protective older sister to her three younger siblings, Micki, Tim, and Claudia. The bond they forged through childhood adventures remained unbroken throughout their lives.

Sherry’s intellectual foundation was solidified at two institutions that left an indelible mark on her life: Milton Academy and Vassar College. She cherished her time at both, establishing lifelong friendships and remaining a fiercely loyal alumna. Throughout her life, she gave generously of her time, resources, and leadership to both schools, including serving as the President of the Vassar Club of Boston.

In 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, James Edward Bland. Their early years took them to Alexandria, Virginia, and then to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they welcomed their first two sons, Edward and Theodorick. While Jim pursued his PhD in American History at Harvard, Sherry shared her own passion for the past, teaching high school American history. They later moved to Brunswick, Maine, where Jim taught at Bowdoin College and their third son, Richard, was born.

In 1974, tragedy struck when Jim passed away. At just 33 years old, Sherry became a widow with three young sons aged nine, six, and one. During this challenging chapter, she became an indomitable force—a bedrock of stability, resilience, and fierce love for her boys. She was an exceptionally proud mother, and throughout her life, she regularly delighted in sharing stories of her sons' achievements and lives.

Sherry returned to Washington, D.C., to be near her parents, working for Senator Edmund Muskie. It was during this time that she married Richard H. Downes, a Bowdoin alumnus and the chaplain of St. Alban’s School. Together, they embarked on a formidable partnership dedicated to education, faith, and community leadership. Their journey took them across the country as Dick served as Headmaster and Chaplain at several prestigious institutions, including Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco, St. Bernard’s School in New York City, St. Patrick’s School in Washington, D.C., and The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where Sherry lent her talents to the Development Office. Sherry also spent a year in Boston working for Congressman Barney Frank, reflecting her lifelong allegiance as a loyal Democrat.

In 1995, they moved to Boston where Dick became the Rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill. Sherry immersed herself in the community and local politics. Upon their departure eight years later, the parish hosted a grand celebration to honor the shared ministry of Dick and Sherry—a testament to her profound impact.

In retirement, they moved to Brookline, where Sherry’s civic-minded nature led to her being elected twice to Town Meeting from District One. A lover of music, she also lent her alto voice to the Choir at Trinity Church Copley Square for eight years. In 2011, they moved to Carleton Willard Viñlage in Bedford Massachusetts, accompanied by their beloved canine – a Coton de Tulear named Madeline.

Sherry was a natural intellect and a voracious reader. Her mind was a sharp instrument that she kept constantly engaged; during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, she read over 250 books. She read the New York Times Sunday edition from cover to cover, always starting, with a connoisseur's curiosity, with the obituaries and the wedding sections.

Yet, for all her sophistication, Sherry’s life blood was social engagement and relationships. She simply loved to talk, process her thoughts out loud, and speak the unfiltered truths that others might hesitate to say. She possessed a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor and delighted in life’s simpler pleasures: glazed donuts, a good cup of coffee, human interest stories, family gossip, a good sneeze, and the companionship of her many four-legged friends.

Her happiest place on earth was the Bingham Camp in Salem, Connecticut. There, every summer, Sherry could be found sitting on the porch for hours on end, soaking in the beautiful chaos of the activities before her, and talking endlessly about The Family.

Sherry is survived by her three sons, Edward, Theodorick, and Richard; her seven grandchildren, Nick, Maggie, Emily, Jack, Eva, Lucy, and Noah; her two great-grandsons, James and Graham; her granddaughters-in-law, Phylly Bland and Ella Bland Ross; and her daughters-in-law, Nancy Frost Bland, Rebecca Young, and Deborah Alida Bland.

Funeral Services:

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at the Parish of the Epiphany, 70 Church St., Winchester, at a time to be announced. The burial will take place privately at the family cemetery in Salem, Connecticut.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Sherry’s lifelong commitment to education, contributions may be sent to Milton Academy or Vassar College

Gratitude:

Sherry‘s family would like to express our extraordinary appreciation for the hundreds if not thousands of people who impacted Sherry’s life. She loved and was loved by her family and friends. We would like to say thank you in particular to the Carlton Willard Village family for your care for Dick and Sherry during the last 15 years especially at the end of their time on earth. The residents, administrators, staff, doctors and wonderful nurses of Carlton Willard are simply amazing. In the last few weeks, your love and support for Sherry provided a nurturing, kind and peaceful sendoff. Thank you!