Mrs. Kathleen Sykes Sherwood
June 2, 1956 ~ August 2, 2025
Resided in:
Vienna, Virginia
On August 2, 2025, Kathleen Sykes Sherwood passed away at the age of 69 of cancer. There are
no words to describe how much she will be missed.
She was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Her warm hospitality
touched the lives of many families, friends, and neighbors. She welcomed various pets into her
home and heart, cherishing cats above all.
Kathleen was born on June 2, 1956 to James and Jane Sykes and spent most of her life in
Vienna, VA. She was a 1974 graduate of James Madison High School, where she met her future
husband, Joseph Mark Sherwood. They were married in 1976 and settled in Falls Church, VA for
22 years before returning to Vienna in 1998.
At the age of 16, Kathleen became a volunteer candy striper at Fairfax hospital. After graduating
high school, she began her career working as a secretary at the Central Intelligence Agency at
which she would remain for 19 and ¾ years until giving birth to her only daughter, Mary. After
becoming a mother and leaving the Agency, she temporarily worked part-time for the Town of
Vienna. She was a life-long member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.
Kathleen was the beloved wife of 43 years to the late Mark Sherwood. She is survived by her
daughter, Mary Kincaid (Adam), sisters Barbara Sykes and Jeanette Sykes, her sister-in-law Mary
Anne Sherwood, and niece Dana Sherwood-Bukvic (Alen). She was preceded in death by her
husband, Mark, her brother-in-law, David “Duke” Sherwood, and her parents.
A memorial service will be held for Kathleen at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 14, at Fairfax Memorial
Park located at 4401 Burke Station Road in Fairfax, VA. Please arrive at the Fairfax Memorial
office by 12:45 p.m. for a procession to the graveside service. Please use the Burke Station Road
entrance to join the procession. All are welcome.
Services
Graveside Service: August 14, 2025 1:00 pm
Fairfax Memorial Park
9900 Braddock Rd
Fairfax, VA 22032
703-323-5202
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I met Kathleen after becoming best friends with her daughter, Mary. I always enjoyed going over and spending time with Mary, Kathleen and Mark. They were always so welcoming and kind. My heart is broken to lose two such wonderful people. 💔 My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and her family.
Kathleen… You never let that cancer rob you of who you were.
In one moment you went from being a person to being a memory and your memory will be treasured forever.
Mary, Barbara and Jeanette….. You are three very brave women and with time the pain will fade but the memories will never. Even though we’re so far away, doesn’t mean our love is any less.
Your cousin’s, Val, Chris and families
Barbara, Jeanette, Mary and family,
Deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved sister and mom. Praying for peace and comfort in the coming days
Much love.
Lisa Taylor
Sending hugs,
Yhomi & Jazzercise Family 🌹
Sending hugs,
Yhomi & Jazzercise Family 🌹
when mary was born in 1993 and she “quit” her job, i told her she was my hero. i always have been big on stay-at-home moms. but we stayed in continuous touch on the telephone and in person and with the inevitable birthdays n holidays greetings. i called her every june 2nd no matter where in the world i was.
sadly, i stopped communicating in 2018-19. so i missed Mark passing away in 2020; mary marrying in 2023; and she slipping away in 2025.
wyl always treasure our three decades of steady n sturdy n solid friendship.
aloha, kathleen.
this is wylma in waikiki signing off!!