Theresa (Terry) Yoshida Sherwin, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in West Chester on June 15, 2025.

Formerly of Wynnewood, PA, Theresa shared her life with her husband, William K. Sherwin, MD, PhD, from their marriage in August of 1973 until his death in July of 2023.  She recently moved to West Chester to be near her beloved son, Christopher, his wife, Elyse, and their young and growing family.

Theresa was born on October 23, 1951 in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up with her five brothers and sisters in Ardmore, PA. Theresa attended St. Leonard's Academy in Philadelphia and St. Colman's School in Ardmore, graduating from St. Leonard's in 1969. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia in 1973. Upon graduation, she taught art at The Baldwin Lower School from 1973 to 1986, where she instilled in her students the love of art. Many of her former students and their parents remained in touch with her, expressing that she was a favorite teacher.

Theresa began studying the Japanese language over 32 years ago, first with Ms. Taeko Wakasono and later with Mrs. Fumiyo Batta (Batta sensei). Soon after starting her Japanese language studies, she began her tea studies with Mrs. Mariko LeFleur (Mariko sensei).

In 1995, Terry was introduced to Mrs. Taeko Shervin (Taeko sensei), who became her lifelong mentor and friend. She studied The Way of Tea with Taeko sensei for more than 30 years, attaining her tea name "Soya" from the Urasenke grand master of Kyoto, Japan. Terry promoted The Way of Tea through demonstrations in numerous organizations in several states, particularly at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park where she served as a docent for more than 25 years.

When Taeko sensei returned to Japan in 2018, Mrs. Sachiko Houck continued Tea lessons along with Terry's invaluable assistance. They seamlessly complemented each other, as Sachiko demonstrated while Terry explained the history and culture of The Way of Tea. Terry embraced her Japanese studies and The Way of Tea wholeheartedly, and the friends she made became her family.

Theresa's interests were many and extensive. A prodigious reader and lover of music of all genres, she enjoyed beautiful works of art. She amassed an exquisite collection of kimonos, even sewing one of her own in a workshop with Mrs. Tamiko Laincz. Her artistic talent shone through in everything she did, evident in her floral arrangements, decorating, design, and cooking. Theresa and Bill also traveled extensively together, both domestically and abroad.

Theresa was a member of The Acorn Club, Chado Urasenke Tankokai Philadelphia Association, Ambassador Member of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, The Merion Cricket Club, The Philadelphia Calligrapher's Society and Associate Member of The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Theresa was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Her home was the bustling and warm setting for countless family gatherings.

She is survived by her son Christopher, daughter-in-law Elyse, granddaughter Emilia and grandson Charles, brother CDR William R. Yoshida, USN (Ret.)  (Isabel), sisters Marie A. Echelmeyer (Frederick) and Anna Y. Prebis (James), sister-in-law Deborah J. Yoshida, nieces and nephews Jacqueline Messer (Andrew), Thomas Yoshida (Teresa), Robert Vincent Yoshida (Nicole), Suzanne Woods, Michael Yoshida (Christina), Alix Eggerding (Matthew), Eric Echelmeyer (Laura), Mari Fraley (Philip), Kristan McMeekin, Thomas Prebis and William Prebis, and 19 great nieces and nephews. Theresa was preceded in death by her husband William K. Sherwin, parents Yasohichi Vincent and Marie Ann Conrad Yoshida, brother John V. Yoshida and sister Rose Mary Yoshida.

Relatives and friends are invited on Saturday, July 19th for Visitation from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM and Memorial Service at 10 AM at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 226 Righters Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to the charity of your choice.