Shari L. Okusko, a well-known member of the Vernon Downs racing community, passed away on Monday, April 3 at the Crouse Irving Hospital under the care of the Comfort Care Team. She was 48.

Okusko was born on April 27, 1968, the daughter of Howard and Carol Okusko Sr. She graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central High School in 1986.

She was employed at Kay Jewelers for over 20 years. She also loved working with the horses that were part of her parents' stable and later with the Gary Bryant Stable. She was a member of the US Trotting Association and the Harness Horsemen’s Association of Central New York.

She is survived by her parents, Howard and Carol Okusko Sr., of Vernon; brothers, Billy (Shawn) Okusko, Sherrill, NY, Howard (Jessica) Okusko Jr., Vernon; her companion of 18 years, Gary Bryant, Munnsville, NY; his son, Derek Bryant of Connecticut; and her loving dog, Boone Bryant; niece Candace (John) Phelps of Verona, NY; nephew Jan (Casey) Okusko, Taberg, NY; great-nieces and nephews, Lane, Elin, Mila and Jameson; and cousins, Melody Moorehead, John and Bob Magee, Debbie Cantales, Diane D'Amore, Chery VanSlyke and John Robinson.

There will be a private service for the family, as Okusko wished that all of her friends would remember her as they shared time with her the day of her benefit. A Memorial Mass for friends will be held at a future date to be announced at Holy Family Church, Vernon, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to Sloan Kettering-MSKCC, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown Md. 21741 or Crouse Irving Palliative Care at Crouse, 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY. 13210. Arrangements are with the Malecki Funeral Home, Vernon. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Shari Okusko.

(Harnessracing.com)