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'Go to the angels, Sherry, and give them hell': Former CBC broadcaster dead at 57

Sherry Drysdale spent a quarter century with the mother corp before working in communications for Laurentian University

A former broadcaster whose voice would be familiar to many in Greater Sudbury passed away from cancer June 21.

Sheryl (Sherry) Drysdale, 57, was a writer, editor and broadcaster best known for her 25-year career at the CBC.

She was a back-fill host on the national radio news desk and was also heard on the provincewide program Ontario Today. Before joining the CBC, she'd worked for private radio stations.

“An avid devotee of an eclectic range of music, she created holiday music specials featuring Sinatra, the big bands, bel canto, and other cherished performers,” said her obituary, which was published in the Globe and Mail.

After leaving the CBC in 2011, the Sault Ste. Marie native worked in communications for Laurentian University.

She is survived by her children, Jack and Miriam, and her mother, Patricia. Since 2010, she spent part of the year in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, with her companion Stu Deutsch.

“She regrets that she didn't get to the end of Season 5 of 'House of Cards', but is happy to have finished all of 'Homeland',” said Drysdale's obituary.

“She leaves the world in the midst of an ugly political climate, but she believed that sanity would ultimately prevail.”

Drysdale's former CBC colleague, Barry Mercer, wrote about her on Facebook last week after hearing of her passing.

“Sherry was one of the first real news reporters I ever met,” he said. “We worked at CBC Radio Sudbury for years. She was clever beyond words. In a building filled with big personalities, she extended a welcome that was appreciated.”

Timmins James Bay MP and federal NDP leadership candidate Charlie Angus also posted a tribute to Drysdale on Facebook.

“I don't have words to make sense of this,” he said.

“Sherry Drysdale, former CBC host, fiery and independent voice in the north is gone. She called me when I was running and didn't mention a thing about being sick. She apologized for being unable to come to my event and I didn't question it. 

“She said she would never forgive the party if I ran and got hurt in the process. I told her not to worry. That was Sherry — protective, contrary, looking out for people she cared about. She loved her two children Jack and Miriam. She spoke of them all the time. So heartbroken tonight. Go to the Angels, Sherry, and give them hell.”

CBC Ontario Today host Rita Celli did a tribute to Drysdale on the noon-hour program June 23. Click here to listen.

There will be no funeral for Drysdale, but a wake will be held at a later date in Sudbury. 

Laurentian University is also holding a gathering in memory of Drysdale at the University Club at 2:30 p.m. June 27. All members of the Laurentian community are invited to attend.

The family is asking that donations in her name be made to the R. W. Drysdale Memorial Scholarship in Aquatic Science at Laurentian University or to islamicrelief.ca.


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