Shari L. Okusko, 48, of Vernon

VERNON>> Shari L. Okusko, age 48, of Vernon passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Crouse Irving Hospital under the care of the Comfort Care Team.

She was born on April 27, 1968 daughter of Howard and Carol Okusko Sr. She graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central High School in 1986.

She was employed at Kay Jewelers for over 20 years.

Shari loved working with the harness horses that were part of her parents’ stable and later with the Gary Bryant’s Stable.

She was a member of the USTA and the HHACNY.

She is survived by her parents, Howard and Carol Okusko Sr., Vernon; brothers, Billy (Shawn) Okusko, Sherrill, Howard (Jessica) Okusko Jr., Vernon; her companion of 18 years, Gary Bryant, Munnsville; his son, Derek Bryant of Connecticut; and her loving dog, Boone Bryant of Munnsville; niece Candace (John) Phelps of Verona; nephew Jan (Casey) Okusko, Taberg; great-nieces and nephews, Lane, Elin, Mila and Jameson; cousins, Melody Moorehead, John and Bob Magee, Debbie Cantales, Diane D’Amore, Chery Van Slyke and John Robinson.

A special thank you to her girls — Colleen Carlson, Hope Mahady, Janelle Garnsey and Liz Chandler for their love and support throughout her illness.

There will be a private service for the family as Shari wished that all of her friends would remember her as they shared time with her the day of her benefit.

The family wants to thank everyone who graciously supported her with many acts of love and kindness.

A Memorial Mass for friends will be held at a future date to be announced at Holy Family Church, Vernon, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Shari may be sent to Sloan Kettering-MSKCC, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown Md. 21741 or Crouse Irving Palliative Care at Crouse, 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse, N.Y. 13210. Arrangements are with the Malecki Funeral Home, Vernon. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com