Sheryl Ann Kuznia - Cox

A beloved spouse, mother, daughter, sibling, friend and teacher who dedicated almost 35 years to shaping young minds at schools in the St. Paul Public Schools (SPSS).

Sheryl Ann Kuznia-Cox, age 64, of White Bear Lake, MN passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. She was born in St. Paul, MN to Vincent and Lila (nea Torkelson) Kuznia. Sheryl could not wait to go to school. She was so excited to turn 4 so she could finally go to school. She attended St. Paul Central High School before attending The University of Minnesota where she majored in Psychology and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1984. Sheryl then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education; graduating in 1988. In 1996 Sheryl earned her Master of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin @ River Falls.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Lila; and her brother-in-law, Daven Drawert; and is survived by her spouse, Christopher Cox; her children, Anthony, Erin, and Thomas; her father and step-mother, Vincent and Barbara Kuznia; her sister, Cynthia Drawert; and brothers, Kenneth Kuznia (Eva) and Jeffrey Kuznia (Donis); as well as her step siblings and spouses, sister in-law and spouse, cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many friends, not to mention the thousands of children she has taught over the decades.

Sheryl met the love of her life, Christopher on Nevada Ave. in St. Paul thanks to a mutual friend. Chris and Sheryl knew they were meant to be when one night on Grand Avenue during a torrential downpour Chris' sandal broke as they were sprinting for the car. Sheryl stopped in the middle of the parking lot because she was bent over laughing so hard at him. That is the moment that laid the foundation for the rest of their story. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on April 5, 1999.

Sheryl and Chris could not wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Tony, Erin, and Tommy brought so much joy to their lives. Everything from pregnancy, diapering, feeding, napping, potty training, milestone achievements, to swimming lessons, driving lessons, Boy Scouts, shopping, teenage angst and college; Sheryl embraced it all with strong arms wide open. She absolutely loved being a mother. It was the one job she could not wait to do. Her children filled her days and her heart.

Sheryl also had a soft spot for the family furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were: Scotty...Zelda...Mitsy.

Sheryl and her friends were practically inseparable throughout their lives. From college, gourmet dinner groups, traveling, and watching each other's families grow up they always found things to laugh about. They were together through it all.

Sheryl was passionate about elementary education and wore many hats; she was an elementary teacher, a gifted and talented educator, as well as a school counselor for SPPS at the Museum Magnet and Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture (Phalen Lake Elementary). Working for the district for close to 35 years Sheryl could often be quoted saying, "I've had a relationship with St. Paul Public Schools since I was 4 years old."

Everyone who knew Sheryl knew how much she loved to golf, go out on the pontoon, take her kids swimming in the lake, vacation at South Haven on Lake Michigan, visit with family, and take long walks with her sister, daughter, and friends. Most recently Sheryl had found a passion for dragon boating. Sheryl was one of the eight paddlers in the engine section being one of the strongest and most powerful members of the team, providing the continuous power and propulsion during the race. It is fitting that this was Sheryl's position on the boat as this is how she was seen by those that loved her most in life.

Sheryl will always be remembered for her charitable works and acts of service to her family, her school, and her community. Sheryl left this world the same way she lived in it; giving to others. As her final act of love to all life she successfully donated her corneas, lungs, kidneys, liver, and skin tissue to those in need. We couldn't have asked for a better parent, sibling, daughter or spouse and will miss Sheryl every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Memorial service will be held Friday, June 6, 2025 at 6pm at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN 55082, with a visitation prior from 3-6pm. A Celebration of Life gathering will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Family home. Details will be provided at the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asked to consider supporting Life Source with monetary donations so they can keep working miracles for others @ https://www.life-source.org/giving/make-a-gift/