Georgette Sherman

GEORGETTE E. SHERMAN TRIBUTE Georgette Yvonne Elterman was born in Los Angeles, California on June 25, 1924 to Walter and Gladys (Brown) Elterman. She passed away in Corona, California on February 13, 2021, at 96 years of age. Georgette’s father, Walter J. Elterman, was an entrepreneur and real estate investor in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. While she was a toddler, her father built a home and business in the then unincorporated town of Laguna Beach, where she grew to adulthood. His “Marine Room Bar and Café” remains a landmark in downtown Laguna, to this day. At the age of five, Georgette’s mother, Gladys, died during a routine tonsillectomy; an event which would inform the rest of her life. During her school years in Laguna Beach, Georgette excelled in athletics, as a member of Laguna Beach High School’s basketball, baseball and volleyball teams; she was also president of the Girl’s Athletic Association. But her true passion lay in her love of theatre and dance. She performed in school plays at Laguna Beach High School and later at Los Angeles City College. It was while performing at the latter, that she was scouted by a talent agent from MGM Studios, who met with her father and step-mother to offer her a contract. Her parents strongly disapproved, ending that possibility. However, her love of dancing to the music of the “Big Band” era, became a life-long passion. Into her early 80’s she danced to the music of favorites, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra. Her high school diary reveals how truly central a part of her life, dancing was. The youthful, vivacious, fun-loving, Georgette could never have dreamed that she would one day teach her grandson, Tom, to dance to the same swing music which she so loved; leaving him with treasured memories, of dancing with his beautiful grandmother. In 1942, after America’s entry into WWII, Georgette joined the USO, shuttling injured, returning soldiers to local hospitals and dancing with GI’s at her local USO. It was there that she met returning navy serviceman, Jack L. Sherman. They were married on May 12, 1945, after which she was transformed from a “beach bunny” in Laguna to a “cowgirl” in the Santa Ana Canyon of Corona. To this marriage were born her beloved sons, Tom and Jack. Georgette was gifted with a lovely, melodic voice and sang in numerous venues throughout her life, including Laguna Beach High School, Los Angeles City College, St. Edward Catholic Church Choir, and “Sweet Adelines” ladies barbershop quartette in Riverside. She was also a frequent favorite at local piano bars. Up until the week of her death, she continued singing to the music she loved in the home of her son, Jack, and could still remember the words to all the old standards! Her childhood in Laguna Beach had instilled in her a passion for the ocean which remained throughout her life. As a young child, her father taught her to swim in the chilly waters off Wood’s Cove, where she in turn, taught her sons to swim. She loved sharing this special beach with her granddaughters, Nancy and Jocelyn. Every spring she brought them for several days to Vacation Village in Laguna Beach, creating memories they will cherish for a lifetime. From 1958-1970, Georgette worked as secretary to principals of five Riverside County schools. In 1971, she served as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools for the Corona/Norco School District, working for Dr. Charles Terrell, Dr. Augie Ramirez and Dr. Don Helms. Upon her retirement, fifteen years later, four women were required to fill her position! Her familiarity with, and command of words made her an unbeatable adversary playing Scrabble. Challenging her was futile; and though her family tried, she remained undefeated champion! In later life, her Sunday games of Yahtzee were the highlight of her week. She had an uncanny ability to roll them, screaming “YAHTZEE” each time with great glee! We dubbed her the “Yahtzee Queen” and in what would be her final game, she rolled 6 yahtzees in one round! NOTHING was more important to Georgette than her family. She was devoted to, and dearly loved her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Tom, Nancy and Jocelyn. When great-grandson, Miles, was born in 2010, she was “over the moon” with delight. Spending time with her family was the greatest joy of her life. She will be deeply missed by her family and by those who had the joy of knowing her. She is survived by sons, Thomas A. (MaryAnn) Sherman, Jack R. (Barbara) Sherman; three grandchildren, Col. Thomas P. (Laurie) Sherman, Nancy (John) Kim, Jocelyn (Ryan) Falcioni; one great-grandson, Miles Falcioni.

Georgette Sherman

June 25, 1924 - February 13, 2021

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Georgette Sherman

June 25, 1924 - February 13, 2021

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

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About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support