Sherry Lynn Koshman excelled in technology, music, teaching

By Chris Ramirez, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, May 3, 2011


Sherry Lynn Koshman wasn't your typical scientist.

Many knew her as a taskmaster who tore into technical manuscripts and computer programs with aplomb as part of her duties as a library sciences faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh, where she worked since 2005.

But there was her artistic side, which few outside of her family knew.

Sherry Lynn Koshman of Ingomar died Sunday, May 1, 2011, surrounded by family. She was 46.

Family members say Mrs. Koshman had battled a series of health issues that started with kidney problems in the 1990s. Her husband, Dennis Moul, donated a kidney to save her, but her health problems, including heart issues, required repeated hospitalization until she succumbed to them.

"She was a very pleasant woman ... who everyone loved to be around," Moul said.

Mrs. Koshman grew up in Theodore, Saskatchewan, Canada, a farming village about 250 miles north of the border. Her parents -- a teacher and a grain farmer -- impressed on her the importance of learning.

An accomplished singer, Mrs. Koshman was skilled at playing the piano and saxophone and, as a teen, participated in many musical competitions in central Canada. Her level of proficiency in each discipline was evaluated and recognized by Canada's Royal Conservatory of Music.

Mrs. Koshman earned degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and McGill University in Montreal. At McGill, she changed majors from music history to library science.

"Writing and music were things she liked, but she was always very smart and good with technology," Moul said. Among her research interests were information visualization systems, Web retrieval and search analysis and human-computer interaction.

In 1991, Mrs. Koshman enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a doctorate, and met and married Moul. The couple adopted two children -- Valerie, 10, and Natalie, 12 -- from Russia.

"She was an amazing teacher and mentor to her students, as well as a vibrant colleague. A highly focused and energetic scholar -- and yet one who cared deeply for her family, her students, and those around her," said Ronald L. Larsen, dean of the School of Information Sciences at Pitt.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Koshman is survived by her parents, Elaine and Martin Koshman, of Theodore, Saskatchewan, Canada, and daughters Natalie and Valerie Moul, of Ingomar.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Simons Funeral Home, 7720 Perry Highway. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Simons.

Family members request remembrances and stories about Dr. Koshman to be e-mailed to sherrystory@hq99.net in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made to North Hills Community Outreach.