Sherry Airola

1st. LT. Sherry H. Airola USAF (NC) (RET) Sherry Hollaway Airola, 73, passed away after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease on May 21, 2012 in Huntsville, Texas. She is preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Fred and Margaret Hollaway. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Colonel John B. Airola, USMC (RET), three step-sons; former Captain Eric Airola USMC (Denise) of Arkansas, LT. Col. David Airola, USAF (RET) (Stephanie) of Nebraska, former Captain Glenn Airola, USMC (Michelle) of Houston and step-daughter LT. Col. Susan Airola-Skully, USAF (Chris) recently assigned to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. She is also survived by ten step-grandchildren and on step-grandson-in-law. Sherry grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri and after obtaining a nursing degree, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force (Nurse Corps). She served during the Vietnam War era and was medically retired at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas in 1966. She later worked in various nursing positions for the state of Texas and upon her marriage to John in 1995, retired from nursing. Sherry was a friendly, outgoing, pleasant, cheerful person who did much volunteer work throughout her years in Huntsville. A former member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Crabbs Prairie VFD; she also served for many years as the Blood Drive Coordinator for the First United Methodist Church as well as church usher. She worked as a volunteer at the Senior Center of Huntsville taking blood pressure readings for the clients. Her favorite work was with the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas in Huntsville where she enjoyed greeting visitors, conducting tours and assisting in other functions. The family wants to give special thanks to the staff of Green Acres of Huntsville and Thee Hospice of Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to: HEARTS Veterans Museum, 463 State Hwy 75 N, Huntsville Texas,77320 and Thee Hospice, P. O. Box 6548, Huntsville, Texas 77342-6548 or at www.theehospice.com. Services for Sherry will be on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville with visitation between 10:00 and 10:30. Members of the HEARTS Veterans Museum Association are encouraged to wear their HEARTS Museum shirts or military attire as appropriate. Military honors will be conducted immediately following the service on the church front lawn. Private interment for family and relatives will follow at Resthaven Cemetery on I-45 South in Houston. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com