Margery B. “Cherry” Avirett of Wellfleet died Sunday August 27th at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich. She was 95.
Born in Chicago, the daughter of the late William and Helen [Brooks] Avirett, she was a graduate of the Bement School in Deerfield, MA and the Emma Willard High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Smith College in Northampton, and then joined the US Navy, serving as a code breaker during WW II. Following military service, she received her master’s degree from Columbia University.
Her career spanned teaching, coaching, and being an administrator on the elementary and high school level. She loved sports and coached varsity field hockey, tennis, and softball. She had a positive and encouraging effect on all of her students, many of whom continued to seek contact with her decades later.
Cherry was introduced to Wellfleet when she attended Camp Chequessett for Girls. She fell in love with the town and was determined to eventually make it her home. Whatever Cherry set her sights on, she made happen.
A lover of sports, she never missed watching the Patriots, the Red Sox, the Celtics or US Open tennis. She herself played tennis well into her 80s. She will be missed by her many friends, especially the Alford family in the UK. Her friends are grateful to the many caregivers who allowed her to stay in her home over the past two years.
She was philanthropic to many charities, especially those involved with birds and other animals.
At her request, there will be no services.
If desired, donations in her name may be made to Wild Care, 10 Smith Ln, Eastham, MA 02642 or to Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary, 291 US-6, South Wellfleet, MA 02663.