By: Saira Batasar-Johnie and Valini Sukhu
How do you celebrate a life that was taken from us too soon? A life that was so beautiful in its entirety because the person who lived this life filled it with compassion, kindness and advocacy.
Sherrie Ann Mohamed was a lot of things to so many people. To Saira, she was a dear friend who was always there when she needed her the most. During her most difficult times she embraced each challenge with love and care letting her know that she was never alone. She was a person who entered a room and commanded a presence. She had a beautiful, radiant energy that drew people to get to know her better.
Sherrie was truly a one of a kind soul who genuinely cared about making a difference to all those she met. While I did not know her during her time here, by speaking to her dear friend Saira, I am in awe of her legacy. A devoted mother, she lived for her children and celebrated them every moment she had. She had a long list of clients and participated regularly in conferences and workshops, motivated by her love of the Indo-Caribbean community and wanting to see healing, strength and better mental health for all.
In the month of May, we celebrate mothers and women who are everyday superheroes. May is also mental health awareness month. Sherrie embodied both — a passionate mother and fierce contributor to the Indo-Caribbean community as a mental health advocate and professional.
On April 9, 2024, Sherrie Ann Mohamed, age 36, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her. Graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University with a degree in Politics and Governance, she went on to continue her studies receiving her Masters in Education at Brock University and her Masters in Social Work at the University of Windsor. A strong educator, her dream was to get her PhD so she could teach students and inspire others.
Sherrie had a successful career as a Psychotherapist/Social Worker and established her private practice, Mindwell Therapy Collective. She was passionate about creating awareness about mental health challenges, social change and justice within the Indo-Caribbean community. Her upbringing and ethnic background was present in all the work she did for her clients and community. Excited to work with the Indo-Caribbean community, she wanted to bring forward conversations about mental health challenges and women’s health.
In 2022, Saira nominated her for the Impact Award with the Indo-Caribbean Camera newspaper because Sherrie’s work deserved to be recognized for its impact. Always humble, Sherrie always believed that she could be doing more and didn’t believe that her contributions were enough; however, she went on to win the award because she was truly making a difference within our community and was committed to creating change.
As a mental health professional, Sherrie often shared valuable lessons that we’d like to share in memory of her:
Mindfulness- During the pandemic, Sherrie offered a free meditation hour on Zoom with a colleague which became very popular. Her voice had a calmness that transported the listener to a place where one could be at ease — focusing on the importance of taking a step back, being present, less reactive so one could listen, observe and understand.
Being Present- Sherrie always gave her undivided attention to whoever she was speaking to. Instead of texting, writing an email or scrolling, she would put her phone down and focus on the person in front of her or while she was on the phone. She knew how to make someone feel heard and she showed up as her best self every time.
Importance of self-love and rest- As a mom and Indo-Caribbean, it can be a challenge to prioritize rest, but Sherrie recognized that self-love and taking time for yourself allowed you to heal and work on yourself. By filling your cup, you become the best version of yourself and can take care of your loved ones. You matter.
Laughter- A day without laughter is a day wasted. Her laugh was contagious with a smile that would melt your heart. Her jokes and laughter live on with her family and friends as a reminder to not take life too seriously and to embrace the joy.
Sherrie’s life is a reminder that we can do what we set our minds to and that every challenge can be overcome when faced with compassion and friendship. It cannot be emphasized enough what a loss her passing is to the Indo-Caribbean community, especially in the mental health space. However, our hope is that her legacy inspires those to pursue careers in service of others. Sherrie’s life serves as a testament to all the complex ways we exist as humans and how tapping into our mental health can strengthen our community. Grief is hard, messy, and complicated. As a mental health professional, she would have been the guiding light through this difficult time however in her physical absence, may her legacy live on as strength and conviction.
Sherrie was a Daughter, Sister and Friend
Sherrie was a Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Sherrie was an Educator
Sherrie was a Wife
Sherrie was a Mother
Sherrie was a One of a Kind human.
