Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Sherri Rae Rasmussen 2/7/1957 - 2/24/1986

Sherri at home, December 1985.

GUEST ENTRY by AUTHOR MATTHEW McGOUGH!

Matthew McGough is writing a book about Sherri's life and murder.

Sherri Rasmussen was an exceptional person.

Over the last several years I have interviewed many of Sherri’s family members, friends, and colleagues. Thirty years after Sherri’s tragic death, her absence continues to reverberate in their lives.

Sherri’s life was remarkable for how much she accomplished in her twenty-nine years, and for how humble she was. Sherri was a high achiever from the time she was a little girl. Sherri graduated from high school at age sixteen, college at twenty, and became a nurse the same year. At twenty-three, she earned her master’s degree in nursing from UCLA.

Despite being younger than many of her nursing colleagues, first at UCLA Medical Center and later at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Sherri’s personal nature commanded trust and respect. Those who worked with Sherri remember her as an extremely competent nurse, always calm under pressure, and a natural leader. Sherri cared deeply about her patients and about the profession of nursing, to which she dedicated her adult life.

Sherri loved her family and friends and was beloved by them. Many people have told me about the profound impact Sherri had on their lives, how she encouraged them to do their best, and how her example continues to inspire them, even all these years later.

Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives.” By this measure, it makes perfect sense that Sherri is remembered so fondly by so many.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank You Matt

Unknown said...

Thank You Matt And Betsy. She is missed everyday. Connie

bruces said...

When is this book being released??? I am so looking forward to reading it.

Unknown said...

It is said that death of a loved one leaves a heartache that no one can heal, however the love from that loved one leaves a memory that no one can steal. Thank you Matt for the memory that will live on.

Shamus said...

Nice post to remember Sherri Rasmussen on the anniversary of her death. Best of luck with the book Matt. Hope to read it soon!

And get better Betsy. I miss your posts!

BusyWife said...

matt - We are all anxiously awaiting your much anticipated book!!!!

Unknown said...

The background of a murderer childhood/family always fascinates me as a true crime reader. There's not much on the web regarding Lazarus. I also wonder if there was any psychological testing done when she became a police officer? Is there a publication date for the book?

Sprocket said...

Aud Paud:

I do not know if there was psychological testing by the LAPD in 1983 when Lazarus joined the force. I do know there was physical fitness training and a lot of classroom instruction.

I do believe that Lazarus' mother and siblings visit her on a regular basis.

No publication date yet for the book.